What’s coming up in the workforce: are we ready for the next strategies?

Dallas in a hot September – it must be the Contingent Workforce Strategies (CWS) Summit hosted by Staffing Industry Analysts. With 600 attendees from 340 organizations gathering over two days, the event was a hub of sharing, learning, networking, and socializing.

The conference kicked off with a keynote from Dawn McCartney, CCWP, who likened the staffing industry in recent years to a roller coaster ride – part terrifying, part enjoyable, and part rewarding. A missed opportunity, perhaps, not to use Ronan Keating’s “Life is a Roller Coaster” as the opening soundtrack!

Contingent Workforce Strategies (CWS) entail developing comprehensive policies and business rules to oversee the engagement, management, and compensation of contingent workers. These guidelines are crucial for maintaining consistency, reducing risks, and optimizing costs, which in turn enhances efficiency and productivity.

The CWS Summit, organized by Staffing Industry Analysts, serves as a pivotal event where industry leaders and professionals convene to discuss emerging trends, share insights, and explore innovative strategies for managing contingent workforces.​

Diversity as well as Diversity

While recent summits have focused heavily on AI and DE&I, this year’s Day 1 stood out for the variety of topics discussed. DE&I and AI were still prominent, but attendees could also explore sessions like “Contingent Workforce Management 101” for beginners or “Global Expansion” and “Unlocking Next Gen Success” for those with more advanced agendas. 

Knowledge, Innovation, Action

The summit’s overarching theme was “Knowledge, Innovation, Action.” The opening session posed challenges such as “Where can we innovate?” and “Where can we push the boundaries?” Program Operations trend data highlighted initiatives organizations are likely to explore, with Direct Sourcing and Talent Pools at 47%. Globalization, Diversity, and Total Talent also made the Top 5, with MSP providers showcasing practical solutions for skills shortages and risk management, from “Tail Spend Management” to “Global Hiring” and “Recruit Train Deploy.” 

AI: From New to Normal

Out of 15 panel and discussion sessions, only two specifically mentioned “AI” in their titles. One session questioned whether AI is no longer the “shiny object” but now a “must-have.” Discussions have shifted from the “what” and “why” to the “how to,” with generative AI becoming an expected part of any service. Key considerations for deploying AI in contingent workforce programs include having the right leadership, the right data, and identifying champions for change.

Day 1 of the CWS Summit offered something for everyone, regardless of the size and maturity of their contingent workforce program. It was an engaging start, setting the stage for more insightful discussions and networking opportunities.