The Rise of the Contractor: Why Contracting is the Next Big Thing
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The world of work is changing, there’s simply no denying it.
While workers once filled offices, they’re now working from the comfort of their own homes, and while a job once lasted for life, Millennials are now changing jobs every 2-3 years.
But there’s another type of work that’s hit the headlines for booming over the last few years – contracting.
Let’s explore the growing popularity of this approach to work and the benefits of contracting for employers and contractors alike.
What Does a Contractor Do?
Contractors exist in almost every single industry and role, but the commonality is the way they’re hired by companies. Rather than being hired on a permanent basis in a full-time or part-time role, contractors are hired on a project-by-project or ‘contract’ basis.
These workers are typically contracted for a particular length of time and number of hours per week, for example, 35 hours per week for six months. They don’t tend to enjoy the same benefits as permanent staff members, but they benefit from a ton of flexibility and a range of different projects.
Why is Contracting Becoming More Popular?
Contracting offers benefits for contractors and companies alike.
Contractors benefit from the flexibility that this type of work offers. Not only can you take on all sorts of different projects in a variety of companies, but you are, to a certain extent your own boss, and you can decide to work only on contracts that interest you.
This increase in contracting is part of a wider trend towards more flexible ways of working, such as freelancing or remote working – both of which increased as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Companies are also enjoying the flexibility that contracting brings. For many organisations in a post-COVID world, their budget is at a minimum, so hiring new teams of full-time staff simply isn’t a viable option.
Contracting gives businesses the option to hire workers on a project-by-project basis, so rather than paying permanently for a member of staff whose role might not always be needed, they can pay as and when certain tasks are needed.
The rise of home-working during the pandemic also increased companies’ ability to trust remote workers. In the past, companies had found it difficult to manage contractors who worked remotely without the traditional face-to-face observation and meetings.
Now that many businesses are at least partially remote, however, organisations are adapting to working with remote contractors and have the tools and infrastructure in place to successfully manage staff working away from the office.
How to Find Contract Work
Interested in hiring a contractor or becoming one yourself? You’ll need to fit a business or a contractor that’s a good fit for you.
Sites like qualitycontracts.co.uk/contract-jobs advertise high-quality contract roles in a huge variety of industries, from software development to HR and business management.
Look for a job that fits your availability, experience, and preferences for the best chance of success.
