The Growing Demand For Contract Hiring

The pandemic has forced a relook at hiring and new work trends have begun to emerge. At the forefront is the observed increase in contract hiring, both locally and internationally.

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With South Africa well-poised to meet the growing demand from global companies who seek to source skilled contractors from our shores, as well as local companies boosting the figures with their own increase in contract hiring, we speak to Phillipa Geard, CEO of RecruitMyMom.co.za, about who stands to benefit and what it means for the future of the South African workplace as we know it.

High level of uncertainty, low level of risk

With the high level of uncertainty in the economic world at the moment, companies are reluctant to commit to permanent appointments. “Simply put, contract hiring is low risk.” Phillipa explains, “Contracting skills for a fixed period or defined project allows companies the flexibility to manage the impact of market uncertainties.” That said, it’s not solely employers who are driving the rise in contract hiring, as more and more employees, women in particular, are voluntarily relinquishing the benefits that come with permanent employment and opting for the flexibility of skilled contract work instead.

Say goodbye to the stigma

Flexibility aside, another plus for contractors is the benefit of working for more than one employer.