Contingent labor management is no longer a back-office function. It’s a strategic imperative for companies that want to stay agile, competitive and prepared for whatever the market brings next. Whether you’re dealing with seasonal fluctuations, scaling operations or responding to rapid changes in demand, having a strong handle on your contingent workforce can make the difference between accelerating growth or being left behind.
More businesses are recognizing the importance of optimizing their contingent staffing strategies. In fact, according to a 2024 report by Staffing Industry Analysts, 47% of large companies say their use of contingent workers has increased over the past year, and 67% expect that trend to continue over the next two years (source). This shift isn’t just about filling short-term needs. It’s about building a more dynamic, cost-effective and resilient workforce model.
The Rise of the Contingent Workforce
A contingent workforce includes freelancers, independent contractors, temporary workers and consultants. These professionals are not on a company’s full-time payroll but play a critical role in executing projects, filling skill gaps and ensuring operational continuity.
In today’s business landscape, flexibility is everything. The ability to adjust workforce size and skillsets without the long-term commitment of traditional hiring helps companies respond faster to change. From technology to healthcare and manufacturing, industries of all kinds are leaning on contingent staffing to support project-based work and specialized initiatives.
But with this flexibility comes complexity. That’s where strong contingent labor management comes in.
Why Contingent Labor Management Matters
Managing a contingent workforce isn’t just about tracking timecards or filling open positions. It involves oversight across several key areas including vendor relationships, compliance, cost control, onboarding, performance tracking and classification.
Without a centralized system in place, organizations risk misclassifying workers, overspending or losing track of valuable talent. Missteps in compliance can result in legal penalties, damaged reputation and disrupted projects. Meanwhile, poor visibility into labor spend and worker performance can erode profitability.
That’s why businesses need a formal approach to contingent labor management, one that connects procurement, HR, legal and operations through shared goals and clear data.
How Tools Like SWM Streamline the Process
At Suna Solutions, we help clients simplify contingent labor management through tools like SWM. Our platform offers a centralized solution to track contracts, manage payments, ensure accurate worker classification and evaluate performance in real time. SWM allows organizations to reduce administrative burden while gaining strategic insights that drive smarter decisions.
By integrating vendor management and contingent workforce oversight, companies can quickly identify top-performing suppliers, ensure compliance across departments and keep costs in check. It also helps with speed to hire, which is often a critical advantage in competitive markets.
Contingent Staffing and Business Growth
Contingent staffing is directly tied to growth. It provides a way for businesses to scale quickly without the long lead times associated with full-time hires. You can bring in niche expertise on demand, respond to market changes faster and allocate resources more efficiently.
More importantly, contingent labor allows businesses to test new ideas, launch initiatives and explore new markets with reduced risk. By treating contingent workers as an extension of your core team rather than a separate function, you unlock innovation and resilience across your entire organization.
Companies that invest in formal contingent labor management strategies consistently outperform those that take an ad hoc approach. They avoid costly errors, retain top talent and build a workforce model that evolves with the business, not against it.
Getting Ahead with the Right Partner
Contingent labor management isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Every organization has unique goals, compliance obligations and vendor relationships. That’s why Suna partners with companies to build customized workforce strategies that support both short-term flexibility and long-term growth.
From supplier optimization to contingent staffing process audits and strategic vendor recommendations, our solutions are designed to help clients grow confidently and compliantly. Whether you’re operating in a highly regulated industry or simply trying to scale fast, we give you the visibility and tools you need to succeed.
Contingent labor management is no longer optional. It’s essential to sustainable business growth in today’s unpredictable economy. By gaining control over your contingent workforce, you improve speed, reduce risk and stay agile in a constantly shifting environment.
If you’re ready to take the next step in optimizing your contingent staffing strategy, Suna Solutions can help. Our team of experts and our SWM platform are here to support your goals with tailored solutions that align with how you work.