It's no secret that the American workforce is changing.  More households have two working parents now than any other time in history. Both mothers AND fathers need time off to care for sick children or attend their school events.  And many of them are also taking care of their own elderly parents. Meanwhile, Millennials who grew up with cell phones and laptops are entering the workforce challenging the traditional model that forces them to be chained to a desk from 9-5 everyday, and older workers are reluctant or unable to retire, but don't want to work full-time.

All of these factors lead to one conclusion: American workers want, and in many ways NEED, flexibility.  In fact, Business News Daily recently reported that 42 percent of working adults would take a pay cut in order to gain more flexibility.

So if you could provide candidates with the flexibility they desire, you would have a better chance of attracting the highest quality candidates, right? Well, the good news is that there is a whole crop of flexible work arrangements out there in the form of contract assignments.  Contract staffing provides flexibility by allowing candidates to:

1. Work hours that are convenient for them. Because contract assignments are typically project-based, the company usually allows a flexible daily work schedule, as long as the work gets done on a timely basis.
2. Not be tied to an office. Again, as long as the work gets done, many companies don't care if the contractor is in the office from 9-5.  If a candidate has the tools they need at home, they can often work between their home and office.
3. Decide how long their vacations can be. When a candidate is hired direct, they may get one week of vacation, two tops, at least while they are new.  Even if they are willing to take the time unpaid, they often are not allowed. With contracting, if they want to take an extended vacation or take the summer off to be with their children, they simply don't take an assignment during that time.

By the way, contract staffing provides flexibility to your clients, too, by allowing them to easily add and reduce staff when needed.  So contract staffing truly is a win-win-win for you, your candidates, and your clients!

Debbie Fledderjohann is the President of Top Echelon Contracting, Inc.