Then and Now: A decade evolution of how we work

Over the past 10 years, the world of work has undergone a remarkable transformation. The traditional model of long-term, permanent employment has given way to a more dynamic and flexible work environment, with companies worldwide embracing agile and adaptable workforce policies. This shift has been driven by various factors, including globalization, technological advancements, and changing attitudes towards workforce policies. As a result, the contracting industry has witnessed an exponential rise in popularity.

Contract work has emerged as a valuable solution for companies seeking to tap into specialized talent pools to maintain their competitive edge. Simultaneously, it offers numerous benefits for workers, including the opportunity to engage in diverse projects, collaborate with different companies and industries, increase earning potential, and become experts in their respective fields. As we delve deeper into the evolution of how we work, we will explore the key trends, challenges, and opportunities that have shaped this transformation and examine the progression it has had on the contracting market.

Globalization and the Rise of Contracting:

Globalization has played a pivotal role in reshaping the Irish market, breaking down borders and attracting foreign direct investment. Ireland has become a hub for innovation in the tech industry, a key exporter of medical devices in the pharmaceutical sector, and a prominent European financial centre in the finance industry. This influx of multinational companies has resulted in a surge in contracting as a preferred way of work for professionals in these sectors. Contracting has provided companies access to specialized talent while offering professionals flexibility and autonomy to thrive in a rapidly evolving global market.

Building on the success of contracting in tech, pharma, and finance, the acceptance of contracting has extended to other professional industries such as marketing, HR, and engineering. This expansion has further fuelled the growth of contracting, solidifying its position as a flexible and efficient solution for businesses and professionals alike. Contracting now offers opportunities for diverse skill sets and expertise to flourish in Ireland's evolving work landscape.

Old School Work Policies are now a gone – A focus on the people

Alongside these external factors, there has been a significant shift in attitudes towards workforce policies, with old-school work policies transformed. Now, individuals are seeking greater autonomy and independence, desiring more control over their work schedules, projects, and career. Companies have identified and understood wants of professionals, along with the benefits of making the workplace an environment in which professionals can thrive, be more engaged with the company’s vision, and be more motivated and productive.

Retaining permanent, pensionable jobs have become rare, with ongoing opportunities and contract roles becoming the new norm.

Old routines such as fixed office hours and annual reviews are being replaced by more flexible and dynamic approaches. The concept of remote work has gained popularity, allowing employees to work from anywhere, anytime. This shift has not only improved work-life balance but has also demonstrated that productivity and bottom-line results can be achieved without strict adherence to traditional office norms. As a result of the break away from traditional work policies and the acceptance that productivity of the workforce wouldn’t be impacted, contracting has gained acceptance as a viable option for businesses to engage with professionals, offering them the desired flexibility and autonomy requested.

Collaboration for Competitive advantage

Companies have realized the importance of fostering a collaborative culture, instead of a competitive culture, and that collaboration will encourage knowledge sharing, cross-functional teamwork, and innovation. Leveraging technology and encouraging collaboration allows organizations to tap into the diverse expertise of their workforce, gaining and retaining a competitive advantage. Organizations have come to appreciate the value of a diverse workforce and what contractors can bring to their workforce. This blended workforce of full-time employees, contractors, and freelancers offers the flexibility to scale up or down as per business needs, efficiency, along with also providing opportunities for companies with expertise and skillsets being developed throughout all aspects of the business.

Flexibility is Key

In early 2020, we saw the workforce brought to the biggest challenge it had faced to date in the decade – the Covid 19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of flexible working, but the shift towards remote and hybrid work was already underway. Technological advancements played a significant role in enabling remote collaboration, with digital communication tools and platforms making it easier for teams to work together regardless of their physical location. Covid 19 allowed organisations and professionals alike to see that productivity and bottom-line results can be achieved outside traditional office norms - in fact, providing flexibility to professionals could vastly improve it!

One of the main reasons many people turn to contracting is the increased flexibility it offers and since the pandemic, we have witnessed a significant shift to professionals considering, and operating, as independent contractors to retain the flexibility and autonomy of their time, instead of returning to their pre-pandemic structure of permanent employment. With contracting you can work where and when and how you want, improving the work-life balance of professionals.

Technology advancements

Long gone are the days in 2013 where wearable technology was at prototype stage. Now, it’s advanced to a point where it seamlessly integrates into our daily lives; AI is now the hot topic in the tech world! Technological advancements have played a pivotal role in reshaping how we work. Digital communication tools, remote collaboration platforms, and mobile apps have become essential components of the modern work environment. These tools have broken down physical barriers, enabling seamless teamwork regardless of location. Video conferencing, instant messaging, and project management platforms have fostered efficient collaboration, boosting productivity and enhancing the work experience. As a result of the technological advancements developed over the last decade, it has allowed for contractors to easily integrate into clients and organisations workforce and teams on the same level the full-time employees would do so.

Societal Changes and Diversity

The workforce today is more diverse than ever, spanning different generations, backgrounds, and skill sets. Embracing this diversity has become essential for organizations seeking to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Companies now value the experience and recognize the benefits of having different perspectives in problem-solving and goal setting.

From a contracting perspective, we similarly see these individual professionals span across different generations and backgrounds. For example, we see graduates and young professionals using contracting as an opportunity to work with desired clients or organisations and build up their experience and skillsets, we see parents seize contracting to ensure their work life balance and take control over their schedules, and we also see retired individuals re-enter the market to offer their expertise on different projects. As the contractor base provides organisations with the professionals, expertise and skillsets that they require for projects, it is another reason we have seen the continued popularity of contracting and the acceptance to engage with professionals in this form of work.

To conclude, the last decade has witnessed a remarkable transformation in the way we work, driven by globalization, technological advancements, and changing attitudes towards workforce policies. Contracting has emerged as a valuable solution for companies and professionals, offering flexibility, access to specialized talent, and diverse project opportunities. In Ireland, contracting has become a prominent way of work across various industries, transforming the work landscape and enabling professionals to thrive in an ever-changing business environment. With contracting firmly establishing its position in various industries, the work landscape has evolved, allowing professionals to thrive in an ever-changing business environment.

For more specific information on becoming a contractor or for more advice why not contact one of our team members today? We work with the first-time contractors across all of Ireland’s professional sectors and can be sure to make the process as simple and straightforward as possible when you are starting your contracting career!