The rise of the professional gig economy has given highly skilled individuals the ability to step back and determine which work model is the best fit for them, their career and their lives.
For many, the appeal of ‘inhouse work’ (i.e. working as an employee in an organisation) is great. They love being an influencer, a decision maker, a leader and have the ability to deeply embed themselves in an organisation. While true permanency is no longer a certainty, the regular paycheque and a level of security are appealing.
For others, the flexibility, autonomy and variety of working as ‘on-demand talent’ (i.e. engaged via their ABN to deliver projects and services) with a portfolio career is their chosen path. In fact many professionals working as on-demand talent believe that their performance and impact is greater when working in this model.
Werkling community member, Carla Ellerby, shares
‘I’m really proud of everything I achieved in my in-house roles, but I know I’m doing my best work now that I’ve built a portfolio career. I’m playing to my strengths, focusing on projects where I can make the biggest impact, and collaborating with some amazing people. Plus, without the constraints of corporate systems and processes, I’ve found I can be so much more efficient and deliver even more value.’
There are a number of reasons why professionals are doing their best work and serving business leaders better than ever since “going gig”.
Flexibility:
For most projects, on-demand talent has complete control over where and when the work is done. They not only have the ability to work where and when they are at their sharpest but can shape their work alongside their out-of-work commitments and responsibilities. This freedom to design their work life in a way that works best for them isn’t just a perk — it’s a game-changer in terms of focus and productivity.
Choice:
On-demand talent have the ability to solely take on projects that play to their strengths, leverage their experience and that they find rewarding. They will choose projects where they know they can have real impact and deliver results. And when you are only doing work that you love and are great at, high performance becomes a given.
Customer centricity:
Here’s where it gets interesting. On-demand talent often see their clients as customers, not bosses. It’s a subtle shift, but it makes a real difference. There’s a drive to go above and beyond, because your reputation—and your portfolio career —depends on it. It’s about delivering value and solving problems for your customer, with each and every piece of work.
Feedback:
On-demand talent are open to feedback, and given the outcome-focused and project-based nature of their work, they will ask for it early and often. If there is a change or adjustment needed, they want to know as soon as possible so they can reorient the project. This no-nonsense approach keeps on-demand talent sharp and adaptable but also delivers the best results.
While the traditional employment model will continue to represent a high-performing segment of the workforce, for many, the professional gig economy will be where many shine. For those professionals who have stepped into gig life, it’s the flexibility, choice, customer centricity and feedback it affords that creates the setting for optimal performance.
For business leaders, these diversified work preferences, along with the strategic need for a more nimble workforce, creates great opportunity. The professional gig economy isn’t just a trend—it’s a powerful way to tap into trusted, experienced, affordable talent who are primed to do their best work.
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Need to flex-up your team for a business critical project? On-demand talent can slot in seamlessly, bringing fresh perspectives, deep experience and specialist skills. Now more than ever, it’s about having the right people, with the right skills, at the right time.
If you would like to be matched to on-demand talent from our Werkling community, head here to brief a gig or email us here to organise a time to chat.
