Contingent Workforce – Not Just for Manufacturing Anymore

Sometimes when business owners and hiring managers hear the word “contingent workforce”, images of large-scale industrial machinery whirring away in manufacturing plants comes to mind. 

But that outdated mode of thinking can impact these same business owners and hiring managers from locating the best labor pool talent at the best price for the job.

Today, a contingent workforce is still used by the manufacturing industry to hire vetted workers. But on-demand staffing has grown as a viable resource for many other business sectors too, including: hospitality, construction, computer & IT, healthcare, assembly, maintenance and repair, and more.

The expansion of an on-demand workforce into other business sectors continues to rise due to its many benefits for business owners, including:

• Expands labor pool
• Expands talent pool
• Vets workers
• Bridges skill gaps
• Provides extra help only when you need it, such as during holidays and other busy times
• Offers tax savings
• Delivers superior performance (some managers say contingent workers perform better because their contract can be pulled at any time)
• Reduces office expenses
• Saves on costly employee benefits (health, retirement, time off, and more)
• Reduces or eliminates unemployment costs
• Reduces HR costs – sourcing, onboarding, background screening, etc.

Read more on the advantages of hiring gig workers.

So which industries use the most contingent workers? According to the following three websites, the results vary. Here’s what we’ve uncovered regarding an on-demand workforce:

1. Effex Management Solutions, created a report on some of the top industries that currently use contingent workers to fill positions and expand their labor pool. Whether you use an on-demand workforce to augment your current staff or not, learning what competitors are doing is always helpful information.
   
   The top businesses include:

• • Airlines
  • Marinas
  • Construction
  • Supply chain production
  • Food and beverage
  • Textiles and apparel

2. Fits Small Business does a superb job in breaking down by percentage industries currently engaged in the gig economy. Here’s their 2018 report which is helpful when it comes to learning about which industries hire a contingent workforce to expand their labor pool. Where do you stand?

However, if you prefer a mobile contingent workforce tool that manages postings for you, then an app like GigWorx is probably a better solution. GigWorx matches contingent workers’ availability to your open job positions all in one place without having to login and post to multiple sites. Matching vetted workers are sent directly to your phone.

Conclusion

Whether you’re experiencing unexpected staff changes, a surge in workforce needs, or looking to try out vetted workers in any of the following areas:

• Restaurant, caterer, or other food establishment in need of waiters or waitresses, dishwashers, prep cooks, hosts/hostesses, special event workers
• Hotel, Inn, or B&B in need of housekeepers, reservationists, receptionists, special event workers, marketers, customer care workers
• Builder in need of cleanup crews, carpenters, schedulers, general laborers, trade workers
• Small business in need of data entry clerks, receptionists, telephone operators, order fulfillment, administrative assistants
• Healthcare business in need of receptionists, administrative assistants

We can help! Our on-demand workforce is here for you. Schedule a phone call with us to learn more.