7 questions to ask yourself before making the leap from reactive to proactive workforce management

Globalisation. Economic uncertainty. Technological innovation. Demographic shifts. Growing skills shortages. Changing attitudes and motivations. All of these factors have contributed to changing the shape of our workforce. No longer can work be easily defined by conventional notions of 9 to 5. 

Today the workforce is a blend of traditional full-time employees, part-time employees, contingent workers, independent contractors, project consultants, freelancers, service providers and outsourced staff. The current ratio of traditional employees to non-traditional - around 70:30 - emphasises a new reality. The nature of work has changed and so has the workforce itself.

That’s why organisations that intend to maintain a competitive advantage through a high-performing workforce are looking to their strategic talent advisors to help them capitalise on these shifting dynamics.

Before making the leap from reactive to proactive workforce management, an organisation should work with its MSP to assess the current state of its workforce management program.

Creating a workforce that is optimised for business requires a solid foundation, based on a comprehensive perspective that goes beyond the basics of contingent workforce management. A review of the current best US organisations provides a roadmap to move any program forward. Utilise your strategic talent partners for this valuable business intelligence.

The 7 questions you should ask yourself are:

1. Are you ready to take advantage of the intelligence available through enhanced data analytics?

2. Do you have true visibility into all aspects of your workforce?

3. Can you identify current trends, including ongoing risks and performance levels?

4. How many different types of workers are managed under the umbrella of a single program?

5. Are the percentage breakdowns of the types of workers (IC, SOW, temporary) the most efficient and cost effective for your needs?

6. What is the appropriate blend for your workforce?

7. Do you have the tools and resources to fill your talent gaps and retain your best workers? 

The best, most forward-thinking organisations are currently attempting to reach a stage where their entire workforce is optimised across every level. 

For more insight on this future-focused approach, download our new report 'The future of workforce management'