Talent fluidity and the rise of agile recruitment

THE way people are envisaging and planning their careers has changed.

- JOHANN VAN NIEKERK

Young professionals tend to prefer modern hiring models that give them more independence and flexibility. I Freepik

Traditionally split into structured “full-time” or “freelance” (whatever form that may take) categories, talent is now starting to become more fluid.

People are looking for roles in permanent or contract positions based on their goals and aspirations. Furthermore, professionals are starting to think about their career as a portfolio —and want to build one made up of brands, experiences, deliverables, projects and teams they were involved in. Their loyalty is primarily to themselves and not to a specific organisation, team or product.

Businesses now need to meet people where they are to ensure they have access to the best talent.

Demand for agility

Talent fluidity is a relatively new phenomenon and is strongly coupled to the rise of agile talent models. It is being driven by skilled professionals who are taking advantage of agile recruitment models that enable them to work on demand, on contract, on assignment or in permanent roles — depending on what suits them and what career goal they are working towards.