2026 Annual Study · With Independently
Unlocking the Potential of the Flexible Workforce
This study evaluates the state of flexible talent and how solutions are meeting the moment for companies. Two surveys, two sides of the same market — answered separately, published together.
Take the survey — which are you?
Respondents receive results of the report before it is published globally.
A joint study
Why this study exists
The modern workforce is undergoing a structural shift, with independent professionals and freelancers becoming a critical source of specialized talent, agility, and innovation. Yet most organizations have not fully unlocked this potential. Fragmented engagement models, compliance concerns, and unclear ownership across HR, procurement, and business units continue to limit effective adoption.
Demand for independent talent is accelerating, and the ecosystem serving it — platforms, MSPs, EORs, compliance firms and advisory partners — is changing fast to keep up. What enterprises expect and what providers actually offer keep drifting apart.
Asking only one side explains half the market. Running both surveys against each other is what turns the answers into a benchmark.
What you get back
Every respondent gets all three.
The responses
Results of the report before it is published globally.
A community recap
Talk through the results with your peers.
A complimentary executive briefing
A briefing built around what the study found.
See the briefingTwo surveys — which are you?
For the people who run contingent workforce programs
How enterprises actually engage independent talent — what works, what breaks, and what the best programs do differently.
- Contingent Workforce Program leaders
- Human Resources
- Procurement leaders
- Talent Acquisition
- Workforce Strategy
- Finance & Legal
48 questions · 10–12 minutes
Take this surveyFor the people building the ecosystem
This study evaluates the state of flexible talent and how solutions are meeting the moment for companies.
- Founders & CEOs
- Freelancer platforms & talent marketplaces
- Agent of Record (AOR)
- Employer of Record (EOR)
- Compliance providers
- MSPs & workforce technology
29 questions · 8–10 minutes
Take this surveyAdd your data to the record.
8–12 minutes, anonymous. Respondents receive results of the report before it is published globally.
Take the survey — which are you?