AI integration in the evolving landscape of combined workforces, as unveiled by recent studies
In a rapidly evolving business world, the need for agility, scalability, and competitive resilience is paramount. According to new research from Guidant Global and Raconteur, 90% of companies plan to increase their use of specialist contractors within the next 18 months [1]. This shift towards a blended workforce, a combination of internal, contingent, and external talent, is a strategic response to the growing need for specialist skills, rising competition for talent, and accelerating digital transformation.
The driving forces behind this shift are evident. Over half (51%) of employers cite the need for specialist skills, while 46% point to competition for talent and 45% to digital transformation as the primary drivers. This trend is particularly apparent in the digital and IT sectors, where 90% of organizations struggle to hire [1]. The complexity of building effective teams that integrate artificial intelligence and human skills is highlighted by this finding, underscoring the growing demand for digital capabilities.
The benefits of a blended workforce are manifold. Nearly half (49%) of employers report an improved work-life balance among employees, while 75% state that using external talent has helped address skills shortages, bringing niche expertise that enhances team capabilities [1]. Flexible talent is critical for plugging skills gaps and building resilience in a rapidly shifting global landscape.
Leaders in workforce strategy are more likely to have formalized processes in place for skills mapping (52%), resource planning (43%), and departmental hiring (40%) [1]. In response, 58% of organizations are adapting their budget allocation processes to determine the most appropriate worker types for various roles.
Simon Blockley, Chief Executive Officer at Impellam UK and Europe, emphasizes the need for businesses to act now and blend flexible and permanent talent to stay competitive in the AI era. Claire Marsh, Chief Executive Officer at Impellam Group North America, echoes this sentiment, stating that traditional permanent workforces are no longer sufficient to keep up with fast-changing market demands and evolving business needs.
The shift towards AI-powered teams is well underway, with over half (53%) of business leaders acknowledging AI as critical to their future success [1]. More than half of employers surveyed (54%) identified technical skills gaps as a major challenge, especially in critical areas like cybersecurity (54%) and AI (53%) [1]. Organizations that act now to build flexible, tech-ready teams will be best positioned to navigate complexity, drive innovation, and stay competitive in a rapidly changing world.
The research by Guidant Global and Raconteur provides valuable insights into this evolving landscape. For more information, the research is available [2].
[1] Guidant Global and Raconteur Research, "The Future of Work: Blending Talent for Agility and Growth" [2] Link to the research (add the link here)
In the fast-paced business world, the strategic response to the growing need for specialist skills, rising competition for talent, and accelerating digital transformation involves a shift towards a blended workforce that includes artificial-intelligence, as confirmed by 53% of business leaders [1]. To address skills shortages and improve work-life balance, 75% of employers are utilizing external talent, a resource that brings niche expertise that enhances team capabilities [1].
Driven by the challenges in areas like cybersecurity and AI, more than half of employers (54%) have identified technical skills gaps as a major challenge [1]. Organizations that embrace technology, artificial-intelligence, and a flexible workforce will be best positioned to navigate complexity, drive innovation, and stay competitive in a rapidly changing world. [1] Guidant Global and Raconteur Research, "The Future of Work: Blending Talent for Agility and Growth" [2] Link to the research (add the link here)
