Contingent Work In 2024

Exploring opportunities, challenges, and strategies for contingent workers

Contingent work, that is, any work that centers around a limited timeframe or completion of a specific project, has maintained a high demand in recent years, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, when many organizations had to quickly adapt to new operational structures. The demand for this type of worker has steadily grown in recent years, but what are we expecting in the market for 2024?

Current Demand for Contingent Workers

In 2024, we see that the demand for contingent workers remains robust; this arrangement offers flexible working conditions for the employee, while at the same time giving the employers a path to complete special projects or be adequately staffed during high-volume work periods without the investment of bringing on permanent employees. 

We are seeing the scope of contingent work continually be shaped by the economy, technological advances, and even new policies as the government tries to maintain a balance that benefits both workers and organizations that contract with them. 

The Pros and Cons of Contingent Work

This presents positive and negative aspects for the employee. On the positive front, employees can choose where they work, what type of projects they take on, and also explore different lines of work should they want to be a permanent employee at an organization. This type of work is also helpful for people who need an additional source of income or individuals whose schedules change frequently as is often the case with college students or parents who need to work around a child’s school schedule. 

However, this level of flexibility does not come without certain pitfalls that are not likely to change soon - things like lack of benefits traditionally offered to permanent employees, possible job insecurity, and unpredictable income, especially for workers who depend on tips as part of their total pay. 

Government Intervention

In addition to positive and negative aspects emerging from the direct arrangement between employee and employer; government oversight is also increasing in many places to regulate contingent work to benefit both parties. 

Governments around the world have sought to protect the well-being of workers through the creation of laws related to wages, access to benefits, and unemployment insurance. It’s important to note that although we are seeing more government oversight in many areas of the world, some governments are opting out of legislating contingent work agreements explaining that legislating will decrease innovation and entrepreneurship. 

In 2024, governments overall are finding it harder to strike a balance between encouraging the pillars of contingent work and protecting workers from unfair agreements. 

Ensuring Fair Working Conditions

Contingent workers have the power to enact positive change in their working conditions. Understanding the legal and ethical principles of this type of work agreement can empower them to act and ensure their work conditions remain fair. Employers want a good working relationship with all their employees, so they should be willing to maintain open communication and agree to terms that benefit both parties. 

Employees can help ensure these needs are met by sharing experiences with other workers to increase awareness and develop best practices, by educating themselves on their legal rights and protections under the law to better advocate for themselves, and by lobbying for legislative change to improve their working conditions. 

Communication Is Key

From the first moment of contact, communication is the most important aspect of any contingent work agreement. Clear communication will help set expectations, collaborate, solve problems, and adapt to change during the project. 

In 2024 we see communication being of paramount importance because of remote working conditions, which not only include working in different locations, but also in different time zones, languages and cultures. By prioritizing communication, trust is built which improves the outcome of the project and can lead to higher client satisfaction and repeat business.

We will continue seeing the transformation of contingent work as technological advances, governmental oversight, and improved communication influence how the employer/employee relationship is established. 2024 reflects a complex setting full of opportunities and challenges for both employers and employees, however, we see that when both parties have a common goal, the contingent work relationship can be a fruitful one. 

Author Bio

Trevor Bogan is the Regional Director-Americas for Top Employers Institute. With over 20 years in talent acquisition, he’s a proven leader in the space delivering world-class insight across industries such as banking, financial services, staffing, and recruiting.