Dive Brief:

• More companies are realizing the value of the gig economy, Andre Lavoie writes for Entrepreneur, and working professionals are also opening up their eyes to the independent work opportunities provided by gig operations. 
• The ReportLinker’s survey of 1,008 individuals revealed that around one-third of them would consider leaving their traditional 9-to-5 job for a freelance role. Another survey by Intuit estimated that around 43% of the workforce would consist of independent contractors by 2020. 
• Lavoie encourages employers to look for ways to measure the quality of each hire by using predictive analytics and performing exit interviews. Employers can and should continue to connect with those who work independently, using these relationships to build a strong talent pipeline. 

Dive Insight:

Should current trends continue, a little less than half of the US workforce will be independent in the next 4-5 years. Much of this started when there were high rates of unemployment and many workers were displaced from their careers.

With current talent shortages the way they are already, companies will be smart to reach out to this valuable pool of talent and offer them opportunities.

Quality and experience, as well as an adaptable nature, make those who work in the gig economy the perfect solution to augmenting shrinking teams.