Talent pool is now a global one: Ian Tyler, Talent International

In this exclusive interaction with People Matters, Ian Tyler, the Chief Strategy Officer of Talent International highlights how highly skilled and specialized contract workers are likely to be in high demand even during COVID-19, perhaps sufficiently to offset even the pandemic's impact on their opportunities

- Mint kang

As companies look into the possibility of restructuring their workforces, various questions arise around the role that contract staff will play in the new normal of how we work. Ian Tyler, the Chief Strategy Officer of IT recruitment specialist Talent International, shared some thoughts with People Matters around the changes that contractors, particularly the highly skilled and specialized professionals in the IT sector, might expect in terms of opportunities, remuneration, and benefits.

Here are the highlights of the conversation.

What trends have you seen in the treatment of contractors before, and now during, COVID-19?

By and large, the vast majority of organizations treat contractors somewhat differently. Organizations are prepared to pay a little bit more to get the job done, which means that contractors could have a slightly higher remuneration if there is a high expectation of deliverables.

But the downside for the contractors is that often, there's a feeling of isolation. They're not necessarily invited to the Christmas party if you get my drift. They don't necessarily have access to the health and well-being benefits that are available to permanent employees. And in the current global skills economy, the expectation of the contractors' ramp-up time is almost painful. They are expected to come in, get running immediately, and start the very same day. In contrast, a permanent hire would have a proper induction into the team, have a period of practice mapped out in their onboarding process, and have the opportunity to build some connections between them and their coworkers. Contractors do not have any of that.