1 February 2022

What is an Agile Workforce, and How do You Manage One?

Wayne Burgess
Wayne Burgess

Are you looking to adapt your organization’s staffing strategy to ensure future business growth? If so, you have probably heard about the benefits of building an agile workforce.  But what exactly is an agile workforce? In essence, an agile workforce is part of a blended workforce strategy, in which organizations combine employees and contingent workers to meet their strategic and tactical workforce requirements.

The difference between an employee and a contingent worker

To fully understand what it takes to build an agile workforce, it’s crucial that your business first understands the difference between an employee and a contingent worker.

A contingent worker, also known as a non-traditional worker or non-employee worker, is an independent contractor, temporary worker (temp), freelancer, staffing agency worker, or remote worker that is typically sourced through a staffing agency. These temporary workers receive an hourly wage for their service, but are not actually employed by your organization. 

A permanent employee, on the other hand, is a staff member who works with your company on a permanent employee contract. This means they are eligible for employee benefits such as paid vacations, sick days, bonuses and many other perks. 

What is an agile workforce?

Businesses that succeed in the future of work will rely heavily on the agile workforce. With an increasing number of workers operating from home and businesses making the shift towards project-based work, employers are having to rethink their staffing strategies. 

Today’s employers must be flexible. That’s why many businesses are focusing on workforce agility in a bid to prepare their organization for rapid industry changes and fluctuating business demand. 

An agile workforce is simple in its definition. It is a workforce strategy that makes use of both permanent employees and non-employee (contingent) workers to improve the flexibility, scalability and agility of your business. 

Building an agile workforce will ensure your company has the capabilities to scale up or down depending on current demand, beat the skills gaps by accessing talented workers at good rates as-and-when they are needed, and make better staffing decisions depending on your organization’s current workforce requirements. 

What are the benefits of an agile workforce?

By building an agile workforce that blends both employees and non-permanent workers, your business will be able to realize a range of benefits that drive new business growth and help boost profits and performance. 

Here are just a few of the main benefits your organization can expect to see after the creation of an agile workforce:

  • Agile resources give your business the increased flexibility to quickly adapt to new business demands and new projects.
  • The ability to beat skills shortages in your industry by engaging on-demand talent.
  • Hiring on-demand workers as-and-when they are needed will help your business save money and make more informed hiring decisions.
  • On-demand workers give your company the ability to scale its workforce up and down as required.

How to successfully manage an agile workforce

By definition, an agile workforce is simple. In practice, however, the management of an agile workforce is complex. 

Non-permanent workers, and the staffing agencies you use to source them, create thousands of data points for your business. Without the use of an automated and centralized system to manage that data and consolidate your vendors, it’s virtually impossible to gain complete visibility and control over your non-employee workforce - which will result in overspending and poor hiring decisions. 

The use of a vendor management system (VMS) will automate your entire non-employee workforce in one centralized location. 

Final Thoughts

By consolidating the management of your entire non-employee workforce through the implementation of a VMS, your business will be able to make future hiring and vendor decisions based on fact, not opinion.

About Conexis VMS

Conexis is an award-winning Vendor Management System built for organizations that want the power of enterprise software without the complexity or cost.

Leveraging the latest technology, Conexis delivers the expertise, reliability and security of enterprise systems, while offering the flexibility, user friendliness and tailored, personal service you require. Learn more about our Company and why organizations Choose Conexis VMS.

Why Leading Companies Choose Conexis VMS

Conexis VMS is purpose-built for organizations seeking to manage their contingent labor spend effectively. Here’s why we're the right choice:

Looking to Switch Your VMS or Just Getting Started?

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Take a self guided online Demo of Conexis VMS to see how easy it is to use. Book a Personalized Call with Conexis VMS team of Experts Today to discuss your contingent workforce challenges. Book a Personalized Conexis VMS Demo with Staffing Agencies, MSP and Contingent Workforce Programs

 

Contingent Workforce

Wayne Burgess

Wayne Burgess

Wayne Burgess is the Co-Founder of Conexis VMS, a technology company focused on helping organizations get control of their Contingent Workforce.

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