Plug Talent Gaps Quickly: The Case for Gig Employment in Tech Teams

GenAI, hiring freezes and economic uncertainty means tech leaders such as Chief Information Officers (CIO’s), Chief Data Officers (CDO’s) and Chief Technology Officers (CTO’s) are increasingly exploring alternative models to get access to tech talent. A recent Gartner report highlights how gig employment stands out as a superior model for increasing workforce flexibility and plugging talent gaps, particularly for high-demand skills like data engineering, software development, product design, and cybersecurity. The models are highlighted in this graphic below:

Why Gig Employment?

Gig employment, according to Gartner, is the only employment model that fully meets both the objectives of increasing workforce flexibility and plugging talent gaps. This is crucial for tech teams who often face fluctuating project demands and require rapid access to specialised skills. The term “gig employment” often brings negative connotations due to bad press associated with Uber and Deliveroo gig workers. However, reframing this as a way to get highly specialised talent quicker than a traditional recruitment firm or outsourcer can be beneficial. Here are two benefits as explained in the Gartner report. 

1. Increasing Workforce Flexibility: Gig employment allows tech teams to quickly adjust their workforce based on project needs. This is especially beneficial in a field where the pace of technological change can render certain skills obsolete or in high demand almost overnight.
2. Plugging Talent Gaps: The ability to tap into a global pool of freelancers means that tech teams can find and engage talent with niche skills and expertise that may not be available within their current full-time workforce. This access to a broader talent pool can significantly enhance a team’s capability to innovate and execute complex projects.

The Role of Gigged.AI in Facilitating Gig Employment

Gigged.AI, a UK-based digital talent platform, has created an enterprise solution for how companies and consultants collaborate on digital projects. Here’s why Gigged.AI is an excellent choice for tech teams looking to leverage the gig employment model:

1. AI-Driven Talent Matching: Gigged.AI uses advanced AI algorithms to streamline the hiring process. This includes defining work packages and matching the best gig workers to projects within 24 hours, significantly faster than traditional recruitment methods which can take weeks.
2. Cost Efficiency: By eliminating the need for high fees associated with consultancies and recruitment agencies, Gigged.AI offers a transparent costs model for either outcome-based or T&M gigs.
3. Access to Diverse Skills: Gigged.AI specialises in high-demand tech skills such as data science, UX/UI design, development, testing, and product management. This allows tech teams to access a wide range of expertise tailored to their specific project needs.
4. Innovation and Agility: The platform’s ability to quickly onboard talent enhances a team’s agility, enabling faster project initiation and completion. This speed and flexibility are crucial in maintaining a competitive edge in the fast-paced tech industry.

Case Study: Gigged.AI’s Impact

A large tech company had a large project which required niche data engineering skills in both the UK and India. They had no access to full-time employees and the traditional contractor PSL took around 6 weeks to hire. The project was only 6 weeks long so an immediate solution was required. By working with Gigged.AI and their dedicated Customer Success Manager they were able to onboard 8 data engineers on an outcome-based gig basis. The quality was high with all of the 8 being redeployed on new projects or hired full-time (Gigged.AI does not charge conversion fees).

Conclusion

As the future of work continues to evolve, embracing gig employment through platforms like Gigged.AI offers tech teams a strategic advantage. By providing flexibility, plugging critical talent gaps, and leveraging advanced AI technology, Gigged.AI helps organisations stay ahead of the curve in a competitive and rapidly changing tech landscape.

For tech leaders aiming to innovate and adapt swiftly, integrating gig employment into their workforce strategy with the help of Gigged.AI is not just a smart move—it’s an imperative one.