There has been a lot of talk in the media about workplace flexibility, but it usually refers to workers' need for flexibility in their schedules to balance their work and personal lives. But employers need flexibility, too.  They need the ability to adjust their workforces to the ebbs and flows of their business.  In fact, according to a special report by Workforce Management,  “Flexibility has become one of the most important initiatives and priorities as companies look to future planning and forecasting.”

Recruiters who can provide that flexibility by offering alternative staffing options such as contracting can have an edge over those who only offer direct-hire candidates. Contracting allows companies to add workers when business is booming, there is a special project to complete, or critical deadlines  need to be met.  When the need passes, the company can end the contracts without all of the bad press that comes with performing large layoffs.

For those reasons and more, contracting has increased during the recession and ensuing slow recovery. Consider the following statistics:

• The Workforce Management special report stated that 73 percent of companies were planning to increase their use of contractors, and 35 percent of those companies planned an increase of 50 percent or more.
• Half of the jobs created in the recovery will be filled by contractors, per USA Today.
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that temporary/contract hiring hit its highest rate since 2004 in 2009.
• Top Echelon Contracting experienced an 8.6 percent increase in contract placements from 2009 to 2010, and 2011 is on track to be another record-breaking year.

For more information on how to meet clients' need for flexibility check out our webinar, "Companies Want a Flexibile Workforce.