Cultivating a Contractor-Friendly Culture in your Company

Company culture is more important than ever, especially when it comes to attracting and retaining top contingent talent.

The 2024 State of Contracting report casts a spotlight on what contractors value most in a company's culture, offering invaluable insights for hiring managers wanting to appeal to the highly skilled talent they are crying out for.  Let's explore the key aspects that can help you easily build a contractor-friendly environment👇

Transparent Communication and Collaboration 

A standout finding from the report is the high value contractors place on transparent communication and a collaborative work environment. Contractors thrive in settings where ideas can flow freely, and teamwork is encouraged. Fostering an atmosphere of open communication can not only enhance productivity but also make your organisation more attractive to potential contractors.

ACTION: Implement regular check-ins and open forums where your contractors can voice their ideas and concerns. Encourage collaborative projects and team-building activities that include contractors as integral members.

Importance of Management Style

The report highlights that 73% of contractors place significant importance on management style. Contractors prefer leaders who are supportive, empowering, and capable of providing clear direction. A positive management style can greatly influence a contractor’s decision to join or stay with a company.

ACTION: Train managers to adopt a supportive and empowering approach. Provide leadership development programs that focus on effective communication, mentorship, and conflict resolution.

Flexibility in Work Arrangements

Flexibility continues to be a crucial factor for contractors. The report indicates that contractors highly value the ability to balance work with personal commitments. Offering flexible work arrangements can be a major draw for top talent.  Read more on the importance of offering flexible work opportunities here.   

ACTION: Offer flexible work hours and remote work options. Allow contractors to choose their work schedules where possible, and support a healthy work-life balance.

Recognition and Feedback

Recognition for good work and having a feedback sharing process in place are essential elements that contractors look for in a company's culture. Contractors want to feel valued and appreciated for their contributions.

ACTION: Establish a robust recognition program that celebrates contractor achievements. Implement a structured feedback process to provide regular, constructive feedback.

Ethical Behaviour and Inclusion

Ethical behaviour and an inclusive work environment are also highly valued. Contractors seek workplaces that are fair, respectful, and inclusive, where diversity is celebrated, and ethical standards are upheld.  Read more on the importance of diversity and inclusion when recruiting contractors here. 

ACTION: Promote a culture of inclusivity by implementing diversity training programs. Ensure that your company’s ethical standards are clearly communicated and adhered to.

Practical Steps for Hiring Managers ⤵️

1. Enhance Transparency: Ensure that communication is clear and open at all levels of the organisation. Encourage an environment where contractors feel their input is valued.
2. Supportive Management: Focus on developing a management style that is supportive and empowering. Provide training for managers to enhance their leadership skills.
3. Offer Flexibility: Provide flexible work arrangements that allow contractors to balance their professional and personal lives effectively.
4. Recognise and Reward: Implement recognition programs to celebrate contractor achievements. Provide regular feedback to help contractors grow and feel valued.
5. Promote Inclusivity and Ethics: Foster an inclusive culture that values diversity and upholds high ethical standards.  Read more information on how to achieve this here.

By understanding and implementing these important cultural elements into your business, hiring managers can create a work environment that is not only much more attractive to top tier contractors but also integral to their success and satisfaction.

Have Your Say:  What strategies have you found most effective in creating a collaborative culture and inclusive environment for your contractors?  Join the conversation and share your personal insights and experiences on how you have worked to create a contractor-friendly culture in the comments.

Read more of the fantastic insights from the 2024 State of Contracting report here, highlighting the why's and how's of optimising your company’s culture to better meet the needs of today’s contingent workforce and make yourself a stand out employer!