The demand for talent is at an all-time high, and companies need to focus on building out robust and effective diversity and inclusion strategies that attract both permanent and contingent talent, according to new data released by global HR solutions leader Randstad Sourceright.

As per results from the 2019 Talent Trends survey, 72 percent of permanent talent and 71 percent of contingent talent find it important to work with a company that emphasizes creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Rebecca Henderson, CEO, Randstad Global Businesses and Executive Board member stated, “The expectations employees have of their employer are evolving and our latest survey shows just how important diversity has become to prospective hires. Employers looking to attract top talent must focus on communicating how much they value people and diverse perspectives, not just the financial value they provide.”

Globally, 87 percent of human capital leaders have committed to making diversity and inclusion a priority for their organizations, as per a PwC survey on global diversity and inclusion. However what organizations have failed to realize, however, is that their diversity and inclusion strategies are not only important to their full-time hires but also to freelancers.  The gig economy, which is already so diverse, seeks employers who emulate that same sense of acceptance and community.

It is no hidden secret that companies that invest in diverse workforces have shown to perform better financially than those who do not. And with the rising surge in the gig economy workers in the workforce, it is but imperative that the same values of diversity and inclusion are passed on to them as well. It is projected that freelancers will make up almost half of the US workforce by 2027. Hence if employers are keen on engaging this talent pool, they will have to make sure that they value diversity and communicate the same effectively to this group.