Contingent talent management has become a key priority for organizations aiming to stay flexible and competitive. Companies are increasingly relying on a diverse contingent workforce, temporary staff, freelancers and independent contractors, to quickly adapt to changing demands and fill skill gaps. However, managing this workforce effectively requires clear strategies and proven best practices to ensure compliance, efficiency and quality. At Suna Solutions, we specialize in helping companies optimize contingent talent management to unlock greater value from their flexible workforce.
Why Contingent Talent Management Is Critical
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, contingent workers now make up about 30 percent of the U.S. workforce (source). This workforce segment includes temporary workers, consultants and freelancers who provide companies with scalability and specialized skills without the long-term costs of permanent employees.
Effective contingent talent management allows organizations to balance cost control with access to high-quality talent. Without a structured approach, businesses face risks like worker misclassification, compliance issues and operational inefficiencies that can impact productivity and reputation.
Best Practices for Contingent Talent Management Success
-
Create a Clear Contingent Workforce Strategy
Start by defining your contingent workforce needs in alignment with business objectives. Determine the skill sets required, contract lengths and how contingent workers will integrate with internal teams. This clarity helps avoid redundancies and supports accurate budgeting and planning.
-
Utilize Technology for Better Visibility
Managing contingent talent across multiple suppliers and projects can become unwieldy without the right tools. Workforce management platforms provide real-time insights into worker status, compliance, hours worked and costs. At Suna Solutions, our technology helps clients monitor and optimize their contingent talent management with ease.
-
Work with a Managed Service Provider Contingent Workforce Model
Partnering with a managed service provider contingent workforce program streamlines the management of multiple staffing vendors. MSPs centralize vendor relationships, ensure regulatory compliance and maintain consistent quality standards. This approach reduces administrative complexity and allows companies to scale their contingent workforce efficiently.
-
Prioritize Compliance and Risk Management
Contingent talent management must include rigorous compliance processes to avoid costly misclassification and legal penalties. Implement standard onboarding procedures, documentation checks and regular audits to keep your workforce aligned with federal and state labor laws.
-
Drive Performance and Engagement
To maximize the impact of your contingent talent, treat these workers as valued members of your workforce. Establish clear performance goals, provide necessary resources and encourage open communication. Engaged contingent workers are more productive and contribute positively to company culture.
-
Maintain Strong Supplier Partnerships
Successful contingent talent management depends on collaboration with staffing agencies and suppliers. Building transparent, communicative relationships with partners ensures access to top talent and responsiveness when workforce needs shift. Continuous feedback improves supplier performance and candidate quality.
How Suna Solutions Enhances Contingent Talent Management
Suna offers tailored contingent talent management solutions that give clients greater control and visibility over their flexible workforce. Whether managing contingent labor directly or through a managed service provider contingent workforce model, our platform simplifies vendor oversight, ensures compliance and delivers actionable insights.
Clients benefit from:
- Centralized management of vendors and contingent workers in one platform
- Robust compliance safeguards that reduce classification risks
- Real-time reporting and analytics for smarter talent planning
- Flexible solutions designed to scale contingent labor quickly and cost-effectively
Contingent management is essential for businesses that want to remain agile and competitive in 2025 and beyond. Applying best practices in strategy, technology, compliance and supplier collaboration unlocks the full potential of a flexible workforce. Partnering with a managed service provider contingent workforce model amplifies these advantages by streamlining and optimizing contingent talent management. Suna Solutions is dedicated to helping organizations succeed with their contingent workforce strategies through innovative tools and expert support.