January 26, 2024

Navigating the Return to Office: Contingent Labor and the Impending Attrition Challenge

As organizations gear up for the return to office amid a post-pandemic landscape, they are faced with the complex task of managing their workforce effectively. One critical aspect of this challenge is the utilization of contingent labor and the potential impact on attrition rates. In this blog, we explore the dynamics between contingent labor and the return to office, shedding light on the factors that may contribute to increased attrition.

The Rise of Contingent Labor:

Contingent labor, comprising freelancers, temporary workers, and independent contractors, has been on the rise in recent years. Organizations have embraced this flexible workforce model for its ability to scale up or down based on project needs, cost-effectiveness, and access to specialized skills. However, as remote work became the norm during the pandemic, many companies increased their reliance on contingent workers to maintain agility in uncertain times.

The Return to Office Dilemma:

The return to the office introduces a new set of challenges for organizations, especially those with a significant contingent workforce. While some employees are eager to reconnect with colleagues and return to a semblance of pre-pandemic normalcy, others have grown accustomed to the flexibility of remote work. Contingent workers, in particular, may face a unique situation where their engagement is contingent on the organization's return-to-office policies.

Factors Contributing to Attrition:

  1. Flexibility Expectations: Contingent workers, having experienced the autonomy of remote work, may resist returning to a traditional office setting. If organizations fail to offer a balance between in-office and remote work, it could lead to attrition among contingent workers seeking more flexible arrangements.
  2. Competitive Talent Market: The job market is evolving, and skilled contingent workers have options. If organizations do not align their return-to-office strategies with the preferences of their contingent workforce, they risk losing talent to competitors who offer more accommodating work arrangements.
  3. Communication and Inclusion: Contingent workers may feel excluded or uninformed about the return-to-office plans compared to full-time employees. Clear communication and efforts to integrate contingent workers into the workplace culture are crucial in preventing feelings of alienation that could contribute to attrition.

Strategies for Mitigating Attrition:

Flexible Work Policies:

Organizations should establish flexible work policies that accommodate the preferences of both full-time and contingent workers. This may include hybrid work models, allowing employees to choose the most suitable work environment.

Communication and Transparency:

Transparent communication about return-to-office plans is essential. This includes addressing the concerns of contingent workers, providing clarity on expectations, and ensuring they feel valued as integral parts of the team.

Investing in Technology:

Leveraging technology to facilitate remote collaboration and communication can help bridge the gap between in-office and remote workers. This ensures that contingent workers remain connected and engaged, regardless of their physical location.

Conclusion:

Successfully navigating the return to office with a contingent workforce requires a strategic and inclusive approach. Organizations that prioritize flexibility, communication, and transparency stand a better chance of mitigating attrition and retaining the valuable skills offered by their contingent labor. As the workplace continues to evolve, adaptability and a people-centric approach will be key to fostering a cohesive and resilient workforce.

Amber Crawford

I am honored to be the Executive Vice President of Koncert Technology Sourcing Solutions, a managed service provider offering Information Technology and Healthcare services to Fortune 500 companies. I have worked hard to make Koncert what it is today and I am proud of my accomplishments and achievements as a leader in this industry. My passion for creative problem-solving, coupled with my eye for detail, has enabled me to be successful in this role. Beyond work, I enjoy giving back to the local community through volunteering, attending live music events, and spending quality time with family.

Our Blog

Recent Articles

November 20, 2025
Koncert Named Among the Top MSPs in SIA’s Global Landscape Report — What It Means for Us

When you pour your heart into building something authentic, something rooted in partnership, transparency, and measurable impact, it is deeply rewarding to see it recognized.    Koncert IT Solutions was featured in Staffing Industry Analysts’ 2025 MSP Global Landscape and Differentiators Report, a showcase highlighting the world’s most forward-thinking Managed Service Providers. To be ranked among leading MSPs […]

September 15, 2026
When Supplier Consolidation Goes Too Far

Supplier consolidation is often positioned as an easy win: fewer vendors, more leverage, better discounts, and less administrative work. In many cases, there is real value in simplifying a supplier program, especially when too many vendors are receiving opportunities without producing results. But I also think there is a point where consolidation stops creating efficiency […]

August 24, 2026
Stop Measuring Supplier Activity and Start Measuring Outcomes

One of the biggest mistakes I see in contingent workforce programs is measuring supplier activity instead of supplier performance. It is easy to track how many candidates a vendor submitted, how quickly they responded to a requisition, or how many roles they touched in a quarter. Those numbers are useful, but on their own, they […]

August 14, 2026
The Number of Vendors Isn’t the Problem

I have spent a lot of time in and around contingent workforce programs, and one conversation continues to come up: how many vendors should we really have? It sounds like a simple question, but in my view, it is often the wrong one. There is absolutely such a thing as having too many suppliers in […]

July 15, 2026
Why Most RFP Processes Miss the Mark When Selecting an MSP

RFPs are designed to bring structure and clarity to an important decision. On paper, the process makes sense. Define the requirements, evaluate multiple providers, compare responses, and select the best partner.  But in the contingent workforce space, the outcome does not always reflect the intention.  Many organizations go through a detailed RFP process and still end up with […]

June 11, 2026
How to Arm Your Vendor Network to Attract Talent and Why It Determines Who Wins the Best Candidates

Most organizations think about attracting talent as an internal effort. Employer brand, job descriptions, and recruiting teams all play a role. But in a contingent workforce program, there is another layer that is often overlooked. Your vendors are your front line.  They are the ones speaking to candidates every day. They shape how your company is positioned in the […]

May 28, 2026
Cutting Through the Noise: Why Great Presentations Do Not Equal Great Delivery

There is no shortage of great presentations in the contingent workforce space. Every MSP and supplier can walk into a room with a polished deck, strong messaging, and a sales team that knows how to tell a compelling story. On paper, it all makes sense. The strategy sounds right. The model looks proven. The results […]

May 7, 2026
Why Flexibility Is Overused in the Contingent Workforce and What It Should Actually Mean

Flexibility has become one of the most common words used in the contingent workforce. It shows up in nearly every conversation, every proposal, and every strategy discussion. Flexible workforce. Flexible staffing. Flexible solutions. It sounds right and it sounds necessary. But when you look closer, many programs that claim to be flexible are still operating in very rigid ways.  Most contingent workforce […]

April 21, 2026
The First 90 Days of a Contingent Contractor and Why It Matters More Than Hiring

Most contingent workforce conversations start with speed. How quickly can we find the right talent, how fast can we fill the role, how do we keep things moving. Those are important questions. But what happens after the contractor starts is where the real outcome is determined.  The first 90 days of a contractor often set the tone for the entire engagement. Yet it is […]

April 3, 2026
Strategic Partnership Is More Than a Title

Over the years, I have heard the term strategic partner used in countless conversations. It appears in contracts, quarterly business reviews, supplier presentations, and executive meetings. Clients use it to describe suppliers, and suppliers use it to describe clients.  The question I continue to come back to is simple: What does it actually mean?  Too often, […]

March 15, 2026
Visibility and Vendor Strategy in the Contingent Workforce: What Actually Drives Results

As EVP at Koncert IT Solutions, I spend a lot of time talking with clients about their contingent workforce programs. Most of the conversations start in the same place. They are trying to move faster, control costs, and improve quality. But as we get deeper into it, two things almost always come up. Lack of visibility and a vendor […]

1 2 3 … 5

 Contact us today to learn how 
Koncert can help you reach your goals 

Get Started
Koncert offers the next generation IT sourcing solutions. Utilizing our passion and expertise, Koncert will Save You Time, Money and Resources. Koncert will find you the right talent NOW from interns to executives. Talent sourcing is just the beginning, we offer detailed and expansive services to help you run your business efficiently and more successfully.
© 2022 Koncert. All Rights Reserved
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram