Technology continually changes and affects how different industries operate in today's fast-paced business world. Over the last decade, contract recruitment has gained popularity for businesses and workers thanks to its significant advantages. The combination of the growing number of contractors and ongoing technological progress is shaking up how companies engage in contract recruitment, especially in the hiring and onboarding processes.

So, how do the latest technology trends and tools used for managing contracts impact the hiring and onboarding process for contract workers? It's crucial for employers to understand these trends if they want to navigate the changes effectively within contract recruitment. 

This guide explores the main developments shaping how companies hire and seamlessly include contract tech talent in their projects. By breaking down these critical changes, employers can gain valuable insights and strategies to thrive in this ever-evolving world of contract recruitment.

The Rising Human Cloud 

Technology has made it easier for people to connect, which has changed how we find talent and go about contract recruitment. The latest contract technology, named the "rising human cloud", is all about the trend of having a flexible and widespread workforce. Imagine a world where online platforms bring together skilled professionals and companies that need help with short-term projects.

This change is closely connected to the rise of contract work. These project-based workers usually have an extensive network of other professionals doing the same. The more this grows, the more likely the way companies hire workers will change. Online platforms are becoming the primary way for companies to find and employ these contract workers. Recruitment agencies increasingly use the human cloud and online connectivity to discover the latest contractor talent. 

We might also see the rise of specialised platforms for specific industries or types of jobs, making it easier for companies to find the right talent. This shift is also bringing more flexibility to how companies build their teams. With the human cloud, companies can quickly adjust the size of their workforce depending on the needs of a project. This flexibility is essential for businesses in fast-changing markets or those that work on projects. 

As this change happens and the reliance on the human cloud network increases within hiring, we might see a shift in who holds power. Contract workers could have more say in negotiating better project rates and terms, while companies might have to compete more to get the best talent.

As technology advances, tapping into this evolving approach to finding talent can bring numerous advantages for employers. These advantages include:

• Increasing Access to Global Talent: The human cloud opens doors to a worldwide talent pool, allowing businesses to discover the perfect skills for the task at hand and streamline contract recruitment. 
• Flexibility and Simple Hiring: The human cloud facilitates speedy and effortless recruitment, enabling companies and recruitment services to access talent that matches their or their client’s project needs.
• Competitive Edge: Embracing the human cloud can give businesses a competitive advantage by enabling a quicker time-to-market, meaning that projects are completed quickly and deadlines are met. 
• Increased Access to Talent: These contract recruitment platforms collect talent from across the globe, giving companies access to a broader pool of skilled individuals than ever before. This may be beneficial for finding niche skills or expertise not immediately available for local hiring.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

AI is on the rise, and integrating AI-based technologies into various industries is reshaping the landscape of contract jobs. At its current stage, AI plays a pivotal role in automating tasks and significantly enhancing the speed and efficiency of once manual processes.

However, the rise of AI raises concerns regarding the potential impact on specific contractor jobs. Tasks that can be automated are at risk of being phased out, posing challenges for professionals engaged in roles that AI can efficiently handle. For instance, generative AI has reached a point where it is now responsible for writing, debugging, and delivering almost 50% of the code in some organisations. This automation raises questions about the future viability of certain contractor positions.

Despite the potential risks, there is a recognition that AI is more likely to complement and support roles rather than entirely replace them. In some cases, AI serves as a valuable tool that enhances the capabilities of human workers, making specific tasks more efficient. For employers, the unreliability of AI means that hiring contract professionals skilled in these new technologies will limit the reliance on automation while ensuring a seamless integration of AI into operations.

It is important to understand that AI still requires human intervention for monitoring and adding the essential human element to our work. Contractors are adapting by developing new skills to align with emerging technologies, becoming more versatile and resilient in the evolving job market. Rather than eliminating contract recruitment, the rise of AI is transforming it. 

Integrating AI into the Hiring and Onboarding Process 

Contract recruitment is undergoing a significant change involving artificial intelligence (AI). In 2024, AI-powered tools will become essential in how companies hire and welcome new contract workers. It's not just a passing trend; it's a big shift about improving things, smoothing processes, and shaking up contract jobs' operations.

The growing use of AI in hiring is set to majorly influence how companies bring in and get new contract workers started. Generally, AI can now assist contract employers with the following:

• Matching contract workers with jobs 
• Providing performance feedback 
• Delivering training, monitoring skill and task deadlines

Let's take a look at the main ways AI is shaking things up, but don't worry, we'll keep it simple:

• Improved efficiency and speed: AI can automate time-consuming tasks like resume screening, candidate matching, and scheduling interviews, freeing recruiters to focus on more strategic aspects of hiring. This can speed up the process of finding contract workers, allowing companies to fill positions faster and adapt to changing needs.
• Better talent targeting: AI algorithms can analyse data from various sources, including past hiring decisions, job descriptions, and candidate profiles, to identify and recommend contractors with the skills and experience that best match the specific needs of a project. 
• New recruitment platforms: AI-powered platforms that connect companies with contract workers based on skill-specific searches and real-time availability are emerging. This can make it easier for companies to find the perfect fit for their needs and reach a wider contractor audience.

Impact of Increasing Reliance on AI Recruitment Tools

Like all developing technologies or trends, while AI can streamline the hiring process, it's important not to replace human judgement entirely. Recruiters and employers still need to assess soft skills, cultural fit, and communication abilities, which algorithms do not capture easily.

Utilising AI-based technologies may allow organisations to streamline the contract recruitment process overall and reduce the time associated with continuously hiring and recruiting for contract jobs. However, there are things AI just can't do regarding hiring. While AI excels in automating and expediting specific tasks,  it misses the subtleties that make a real difference in working together successfully.

AI falls short on soft skills, cultural fit, and communication abilities. These personal qualities go beyond what computer programs can easily understand. It's the human side of things. Recruiters and employers have a vital role here. They're the ones who can really get a feel for whether a candidate has the technical skills and fits in with the team's vibe and values.

Skill-Based Hiring in Contract Recruitment

The world of contract work is going through several changes in 2024, especially with technology playing a more significant role. This shift is affecting how contractors apply for jobs and changing what employers look for in their hires. Contractors are known for having various skills that make them great for short-term projects. With the rise of automation and new platforms streamlining business operations, there's a high demand for contractors with specific skills related to these technologies.

New opportunities are unfolding in areas where human attributes, such as intuition, creativity, and emotional intelligence—are irreplaceable. This change highlights the importance of skills tailored to the latest technological advancements, particularly those contributing to the development and implementation of automated processes.

An increasing trend from the advancements in AI and other technologies is the transition from traditional applications to skill-based profiles. Companies are now prioritising worker profiles based on skills and experience rather than relying solely on academic qualifications to ensure they can keep up with developments. This shift enables employers to identify professionals with the precise skill sets required for their projects, enabling a more efficient and tailored recruitment process.

Implications for the Contractor Hiring Process

Contractors are facing a growing need for skills relevant to their industries, and there's a noticeable increase in online courses designed to provide this valuable knowledge. These courses empower professionals to acquire the in-demand skills necessary to stay competitive in a quickly changing job market. 

For employers, online assessments, project simulations, and AI-powered talent-matching tools will be beneficial in identifying contract professionals matching company goals. As employers look to fill contractor roles, particularly those involving technology, adopting a skill-based hiring approach becomes crucial to filling growing skill shortages. This ensures a seamless integration of new technologies with the specific skills contractors bring to the table.

Remote Collaboration

The pandemic sparked a wave of remote and hybrid working throughout industries and employment types. Emerging into 2024, employees' desire for this flexibility surrounding work has not decreased. Now, around 8 in 10 remote-capable employees expect to work hybrid or fully remote, regardless of their employment type. 

The flexibility remote work offers aligns with the nature of contract roles. Contract workers often engage in short-term projects, and the ability to work remotely allows them to contribute their skills without the constraints of traditional office settings. This flexibility enhances work-life balance and attracts a broader pool of talented contract professionals to employers who are interested in the prospect of having access to specialist skills. 

The continuous development of technological collaboration tools has only fueled this desire, and the reliance on developing communication powerhouses is increasing. A recent study found the collaboration tools market is expected to reach $20.8 billion by 2026, displaying tools like Loom, Click-Up, Teams and Google Drive to satisfy the need for flexible working.

Implications for Contract Recruitment

The trend towards remote work for contract workers will likely continue throughout 2024 as collaboration tools evolve and become more ingrained in the professional landscape.

Contractors who enhance their skills to match changing employer requirements will gain a competitive edge in the workforce. This implies that businesses are more likely to benefit from contractor involvement in their operations if they invest in flexible working arrangements and utilise practical contract technology collaboration tools, as expected by contractors. Employers who embrace these technologies and offer remote work options can attract and retain top-tier contract talent, building a more dynamic and adaptable workforce.

Fusing Technology Trends with Contract Recruitment: Final Thoughts 

The landscape of contract recruitment is transforming in 2024, focusing on empowering employers to navigate the evolving technological trends effectively. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the rise of the human cloud present unique opportunities for businesses seeking skilled contract professionals. 

Trending technologies are revolutionising how employers discover short-term talent for their projects. The emergence of specialised platforms further streamlines the process, providing employers with a tailored talent pool tailored to their industry needs.

To stay competitive in contract recruitment, employers must integrate key technology trends. Embracing the human cloud, utilising AI for efficiency, and adjusting to remote work dynamics can position businesses as leaders in attracting and retaining top contract talent. The ongoing evolution of technology will shape the future of contract recruitment, underscoring employers' importance in balancing technological advancements with a vital human touch in the hiring process.

Looking to Recruit Top Contractor Talent?

At McGregor Boyall, our specialist consultants are experts in contract recruitment and have already assisted numerous organisations in multiple industries with their hiring needs. No matter what skills or experience you are looking for when hiring contractors, we can assist you in finding the top talent to fit your industry and business needs. 

Contact us today to discover more about how we support your contractor recruitment needs.