What is an Agile Workforce? And How do You Manage One?

You've probably heard about the benefits of building an agile workforce.  But what exactly is an agile workforce? And How do you manage one?

What is an "Agile Workforce"?

An agile workforce is part of a blended workforce strategy, in which organizations combine employees and contingent workers to meet their strategic and tactical workforce requirements.

What's the difference between an employee and a contingent worker?

To fully understand what it takes to build an agile workforce, it’s crucial that your business first understands the difference between an employee and a contingent worker.

Contingent Worker

A contingent worker, also known as a non-traditional worker or non-employee worker, is an independent contractor, temporary worker (temp), freelancer, staffing agency worker, or remote worker that is typically sourced through a staffing agency. These temporary workers receive an hourly wage for their service, but are not actually employed by your organization. 

Permanent Employee

A permanent employee, on the other hand, is a staff member who works with your company on a permanent employee contract. This means they are eligible for employee benefits such as paid vacations, sick days, bonuses and many other perks. 

How do organizations rely on an agile workforce?

Businesses that succeed in the future of work will rely heavily on the agile workforce. With an increasing number of workers operating from home and businesses making the shift towards project-based work, employers are having to rethink their staffing strategies. 

Today’s employers must be flexible. That’s why many businesses are focusing on workforce agility in a bid to prepare their organization for rapid industry changes and fluctuating business demand. 

An agile workforce is simple in its definition. It is a workforce strategy that makes use of both permanent employees and non-employee (contingent) workers to improve the flexibility, scalability and agility of your business. 

Building an agile workforce will ensure your company has the capabilities to scale up or down depending on current demand, beat the skills gaps by accessing talented workers at good rates as-and-when they are needed, and make better staffing decisions depending on your organization’s current workforce requirements. 

What are the benefits of an agile workforce?

By building an agile workforce that blends both employees and non-permanent workers, your business will be able to realize a range of benefits that drive new business growth and help boost profits and performance. 

Here are just a few of the main benefits your organization can expect to see after the creation of an agile workforce:

• Agile resources give your business the increased flexibility to quickly adapt to new business demands and new projects.
• The ability to beat skills shortages in your industry by engaging on-demand talent.
• Hiring on-demand workers as-and-when they are needed will help your business save money and make more informed hiring decisions.
• On-demand workers give your company the ability to scale its workforce up and down as required.

How do you successfully manage an agile workforce?

By definition, an agile workforce is simple. In practice, however, the management of an agile workforce is complex. 

Non-permanent workers, and the staffing agencies you use to source them, create thousands of data points for your business. Without the use of an automated and centralized system to manage that data and consolidate your vendors, it’s virtually impossible to gain complete visibility and control over your non-employee workforce - which will result in overspending and poor hiring decisions. 

The use of a vendor management system (VMS) will automate your entire non-employee workforce in one centralized location. 

Final Thoughts

By consolidating the management of your entire non-employee workforce through the implementation of a VMS, your business will be able to make future hiring and vendor decisions based on fact, not opinion.

The Conexis VMS Difference

Conexis VMS is an award-winning vendor management system built for organizations that want the power of enterprise software without the complexity or cost.

Leveraging the latest technology, Conexis VMS delivers the expertise, reliability and security of enterprise systems, while offering the flexibility, user friendliness and tailored, personal service you require. Learn more about our Company and what makes Conexis VMS different.

Discover the Power of Conexis VMS

Conexis VMS is trusted by staffing agencies, MSPs and leading organizations to modernize and manage their contingent workforce programs. Here's why organizations choose Conexis VMS:

• Modern VMS Technology - Built on the latest AWS microservices architecture and Open API

• Fast Implementation - Get up and running in under a month, free setup and training included

• Fully Branded White-Label VMS - Your Logo. Your Domain. Your Branded Communication

• Flexible Pricing - No setup fees, with free implementation, training and account management

• Personal Attention - Experienced senior account management from implementation onward

Switching Your VMS or Just Getting Started?

We work with teams at every stage, from first-time buyers to companies replacing outdated platforms that can't keep up. Either way, we'll show you what a modern VMS looks like, up and running in under 30 days.