Cultivating a Progressive Culture for Contractors
In the ever-evolving labour landscape, businesses increasingly recognise the need to reimagine workforce models to cope with talent shortages and skill gaps. The rise of contractors as a solution to these challenges has reshaped how organisations operate. At Individuality Group, we understand the importance of developing workplace cultures that embrace and empower contractors, allowing businesses to attract top STEM talent and optimise blended teams.
The Advantages of Blended Workforces
As more workers opt for the freedom and flexibility of contract work over the security of permanent roles, it becomes increasingly critical for employers to adapt their talent attraction strategies. In a post-pandemic world, managing the new blended workforce necessitates recognising that contract and permanent workers are no longer fundamentally different. This is especially true given the prevalence of hybrid and remote working practices, with all staff interconnected through technology.
However, despite the high demand for contract specialists, a report by Harvard Business School, "Managing the Future of Work," reveals that only a limited number of companies have fully embraced a cohesive approach to incorporating highly skilled contractors into their business strategies. So, how can organisations adopt a more strategic outlook on future workforce models to effectively harness the potential of on-demand STEM professionals?
According to an MIT Sloan Management Review and Deloitte study, companies that view permanent and contract staff as a unified, blended workforce report better management practices, more effective recruiting and retention, and more efficient resource allocation. By fostering a culture that fully embraces contractors, employers also create opportunities for peer-to-peer relationships, collaboration, and the infusion of diverse experiences from contract specialists into their teams, leading to innovation.
Reassessing Policies for Inclusive Cultures
Building an inclusive workforce requires reevaluating long-standing policies and procedures. It entails addressing crucial questions that challenge traditional norms:
Is your definition of success limited to permanent employees? Can you redefine success metrics?
Can you break down projects into distinct components that can be completed by internal or external staff?
Do your permanent employees recognise the value added by contractors?
Do you have a streamlined onboarding process to integrate contract talent seamlessly?
Answering these questions determines your organisation's ability to attract top candidates for hard-to-fill positions. To create a cohesive workforce that truly accommodates contractors, employers must ensure that contract staff receive comparable benefits and resources to their permanent counterparts. This step is often overlooked but crucial. While pay remains an essential factor for contractors when considering a role, workplace culture and career growth opportunities are highly valued.
Offering access to reward and recognition schemes, inclusive staff feedback discussions, company meetings, and informal reviews helps contractors feel valued and included. Engaging them in informal activities, such as celebrations and outings, fosters a culture of inclusivity.
Moreover, building an inclusive workplace requires creating a welcoming environment based on respect. Being transparent with contractors about project length and potential full-time employment opportunities demonstrates a commitment to their professional growth. Engaging permanent employees in appreciating the value of a blended workforce and actively involving them in the implementation process is crucial to fostering an inclusive environment.
By creating an environment where contractors feel truly invested and part of the team, businesses can maximise their happiness, well-being, productivity, and the quality of their work. A steady influx of highly qualified contractors is vital for organisations to thrive in today's volatile business environment. By revisiting policies and procedures for identifying, recruiting, and onboarding contract candidates, businesses can establish and maintain a culture of inclusivity where the only distinction between contractors and permanent staff is their tax form.
To find the best candidates for your next project and experience the benefits of a truly inclusive workforce, reach out to Individuality Group today.