Our previous blog series described the seven most pressing HR challenges, trends, and opportunities in front of organizations as they adjust to the ‘new normal.
In this series, we describe how the right enterprise software can help you make the most of these opportunities.
It’s clear that the new normal brought about by COVID-19 and its aftermath will change workforce norms even more. In this blog we discuss how to best support your contingent workforce so that they can help your company better achieve their goals.
Why contingent workforce?
Staffing agencies, consulting companies, freelancers, and others have long been part of the modern talent pool. According to the 2018 External Workforce Insights Report, created in part by Oxford Economics:
- 42 percent of workforce spend is used to hire and support contingent workers and service providers.
- Almost 60 percent of executives said the external workforce helped them compete in a digital world.
- 74 percent of executives reported that the external workforce was critical to operating at full capacity.
How has the new normal, brought about by COVID-19 changed how contingent workforce is managed?
Network support
COVID-19 is causing disruptions with staffing supply and demand just about everywhere, at all levels of the company hierarchy. With the requirements that workers conduct their activities from home, there will be increased demand for network connectivity, more IT, and supporting equipment – in addition, set-up help and ongoing support will be required.
Reacting to new limitations in movement
For some industries, mobility of workders is an additional challenge for organizations that are trying maintain staffing levels. For example, travel restrictions require that HR departments consider hiring from local populations, as opposed to recruiting globally. In addition to restrictions on travel, companies must also consider worker health and well-being regardless of whether they hire an employee or contingent worker.
Communication
Working from home presents unique challenges for employees and employers alike but regardless of the reality communication is key if a company is to remain successful and its team commited.
Effective communication includes the ability to collaborate – sharing documents, sending messages, and accessing information. With more visibility into the external workforce, employers must be able to remain connected with all their workers as health and safety concerns start to rise.
How can SAP Fieldglass External Talent Management help manage your contingent workforce strategy?
SAP Fieldglass External Talent Marketplace, is a simple solution designed to help you find, recruit and hire the workers you need to keep your business running.
- You can post jobs for which candidates can apply.
- You can search the pool of available workers to find a match best suited for your company’s needs.
Workforce Management in Post-Pandemic World
While it is too early to predict what will happen as COVID-19 recedes, more organizations will likely realize the strategic value of external workers.
In the words of Arun Srinivasan, general manager at SAP Fieldglass: “In times of crisis, having a solid external workforce strategy that complements your broader workforce approach is what helps companies thrive in the best of cases, and survive during challenging times.
In this fast-evolving market, companies are finding strategic ways to differentiate. Eventually, organizations will look at their entire talent pool to find the best people for the job. One thing is certain: The way work gets done has forever changed”.
- The employee benefits lifecycle - 04/08/2023
- Why Flexibility, Configurability & Extensibility matter for Benefits Administration? - 02/08/2023
- The communication challenges - 31/07/2023
