Use of Contract Talent and Independent Contractors Growing, According to MBO Partners and HCI
According to new research announced today by MBO Partners and the Human Capital Institute (HCI), the segment of the U.S. workforce that includes contract talent, such as independent contractors, freelancers, and independent consultants, is growing at more than twice the rate of traditional employment.
The study, released today by MBO Partners, HCI, and industry partners, examines the use of contract talent in U.S. organizations. Gene Zaino, President & CEO of MBO Partners, noted, “As the workforce changes to reflect the emerging knowledge economy, organizations increasingly rely on contract talent – independent contractors, freelancers, and project-based consultants — to augment and even replace their traditional workforce.”
The Contract Talent Research Practice Area at HCI, which produced the study, was formed to examine the use of contract talent and provide strategic thought leadership.
Over 90% of organizations surveyed use contract talent, and 34 percent said use has increased or increased dramatically in the past three years. The composition of the contract workforce is also changing; more than half are skilled consultants performing mission critical functions. The study indicates that human resources and procurement professionals will need to collaborate to manage contract talent strategically.
MBO and HCI will present the findings during a webcast, “The Role of HR in Contract Talent Management,”