How to attract top talent in the freelance economy

The pace at which organisations need to bring in highly specialised talent for project-based work is rising, according to Bridget Loudon, CEO of Expert360.

Loudon added that at the same time talented people are increasingly deciding to engage in flexible work and choose the work engagements that match their lifestyle.

“Combined, this has led to a growing skills gap in many organisations.”

Loudon recently spoke at the Expert360 Community Summit on Future of Work on how to attract top talent in the freelance economy.

“Freelancers are motivated by the quality of the work and ease of engagement,” Loudon told HRD.

“Too many meetings prior to engagement, poor onboarding processes and scope creep are all massive pain points for freelancers.

“Our FMS platform makes sure both the talent and employer are on the same page when it comes to expected outcomes, timing and pay.

“Ultimately, this reduces friction for freelancers who can focus on what they do best - high quality specialist work - and leave the administration to us.”

Loudon added that the platform also collects valuable feedback from consultants who rate employers based on five key competencies.

“As the talent war for contingent workers heats up this will be key in engaging and retaining the best workers long term.”

Loudon explained that an end-to-end freelancer experience is one that encompasses everything from source to pay.

“Current human capital management software doesn’t properly support organisations that need to assemble, manage, and disband contingent teams quickly and at scale,” said Loudon.

“Organisations need to provide a good employee experience to retain freelance talent for future projects and that’s why an end-to-end freelancer experience is so important.”

So what is Loudon’s advice to companies who are concerned about the future of work?

Rather than being worried about the future of work companies should be excited, she said.

“It has never been easier to directly access the best talent quickly and at scale,” said Loudon.

“This is a huge advantage as businesses can be more agile than ever. However, it does mean that organisations need to prepare now or risk being left behind as competitors look to make the most of their contingent workforce.”