As the digital landscape continues to evolve, traditional workforce models aren’t cutting it anymore. Workforce needs fluctuate, and especially in the IT arena, are often project-based. Leaders seeking more dynamic, flexible strategies to manage their teams should consider agile workforce planning − a forward-thinking approach to staffing.
What is Agile Workforce Planning?
Agile workforce planning is a talent management process focused on fluidity, adaptability and resilience. With an emphasis on continuous improvement, agile workforce planning effectively aligns workforce needs with dynamic business requirements. This approach includes employing contract workers, part-time staff and even outsourcing to meet specific business objectives.
Key Benefits of an Agile Workforce
1. Flexibility
Not having enough employees can be disastrous for team morale but having too many strains your budget. Employing contingent workers (temporary or contract) allows for quick adjustments in times of flux, ensuring your workforce is never too lean or too bloated.
2. Risk Mitigation
Relying on a flexible, contingent workforce helps businesses significantly the reduce risk and liability that comes with hiring full-time staff. During periods of uncertainty, IT leaders can add contingent workers to ensure business continuity without overcommitting resources.
3. Cost Savings
While utilizing an IT staffing firm to engage contract employees can reduce risk, businesses also see significant savings by employing contract or contingent workers. Contractors can be hired for specific projects on an as-needed basis, eliminating the additional costs of full-time employees such as benefits, training, paid vacation/leave and office space.
4. Access to Specialized Talent
An workforce that combines the right mix of contract employees with full-time staff allows you to tap into specialized talent on demand — a pool of talent that only gets bigger when you’re open to hiring remote staff. This can enhance the quality of work and foster innovation by bringing different perspectives to your team. Particularly in the tech industry, specialized skills and experience can significantly enhance project outcomes.
5. Speed and Efficiency
In a competitive environment, speed is key. Agile workforce planning allows for rapid deployment of resources to quickly kick-start projects, reduce time-to-market and improve operational efficiency.
By adopting an agile workforce model, IT leaders can cultivate more responsive, cost effective and innovative teams in any business environment. For more information about creating a more agile workforce at your company, contact us at bravotech.com or 1-800-762-7286.
