The US industrial staffing and strategic solutions market slowed down in 2024 due to persistent economic headwinds, including inventory destocking, elevated interest rates, and a cooling manufacturing PMI. Recent labor regulation changes have added operational complexities for providers managing shift-based workforces. Although market demand remained below pre-2022 levels, the pace of decline moderated compared to 2023, indicating early signs of stabilization. Labor shortages, especially in skilled trades, continued to pose fulfillment challenges. However, resilient sectors such as aerospace and defense, semiconductors, infrastructure, logistics, and food processing sustained hiring needs. High-performing providers prioritized these segments while investing in digital staffing platforms, upskilling and safety programs, and outcome-based delivery models such as onsite and cost-per-unit solutions. This report explores the industrial contingent staffing provider landscape in the US and its market impact in 2024. It provides the market’s overview and analyzes how different industrial contingent talent and strategic solutions providers differentiate based on the Everest Group PEAK Matrix® evaluation.  

Organizations are shifting from traditional fixed employment models to more agile, hybrid workforce strategies integrating freelancers and Independent Contractors (ICs) with full-time employees. As freelancers become more integral to business operations, enterprises require structured solutions to manage freelancer sourcing, onboarding, compliance, payments, and performance tracking effectively. Without dedicated systems, organizations face inefficiencies, compliance risks, and lost opportunities for innovation. Freelancer Engagement and Management Systems (FEMS) offer purpose-built solutions for managing the freelancer lifecycle. These platforms enable organizations to efficiently engage, manage, and pay freelancers while ensuring compliance and seamlessly integrating with business workflows. Leading FEMS providers are enhancing their platforms with improved user experiences, AI-driven matching, automated compliance management, and robust payment solutions. In this report, we evaluate 16 FEMS providers using Everest Group’s proprietary PEAK Matrix® framework, focusing on market impact, vision, and capability. The report helps buyers identify the right FEMS provider for their needs and enables providers to benchmark themselves against their competition.

In 2023 and 2024, the contingent talent and strategic solutions industry experienced a notable growth deceleration due to macroeconomic uncertainties and a pervasive global economic slowdown. This economic downturn intensified cost pressures on enterprises across sectors and prompted organizations to reassess their staffing strategies and resource allocation practices. Enterprises encountered tight budgets and increased operational challenges, compelling them to evaluate their workforce needs more strategically, leading to a more cautious approach to hiring contingent talent. Despite these challenges, the fundamental imbalance between talent supply and demand remained a significant issue due to the ongoing talent shortage of niche skills. In this report, we examine key market trends that have shaped the contingent talent and strategic solutions industry during this turbulent period and how these trends have influenced contingent talent and strategic solutions providers’ strategies and investments. The report also explores strategic adjustments that contingent talent and strategic solutions providers have made to the increasing digital adoption, evolving skill landscape, AI emergence, and anticipation around green skills. It also analyzes proactive measures staffing providers took to enhance their service offerings and become enterprise strategic partners. Scope Industry: contingent talent and strategic solutions Geography: the US and UK This report analyzes and draws insights from year-round coverage of over 50 US and more than 25 UK contingent talent and strategic solutions providers Contents In this report, we examine: The contingent talent and strategic solutions market overview Key market trends Major investment themes for providers The contingent talent and strategic solutions provider landscape in the US and the UK Membership(s) Contingent Staffing Sourcing and Vendor Management

In 2023, the UK contingent talent and strategic solutions market faced challenges shaped by a complex mix of economic, political, and global factors. The broader economic context was dominated by high interest rates, which continued to suppress business sentiment despite the easing inflation compared to 2022. Unlike the US, where talent shortages were common, the UK saw high unemployment, pointing at the persistent mismatch between job openings and the available skills in the workforce. Additionally, stagnant productivity further weakened the talent market. Although the contingent talent and strategic solutions market fared better than the permanent staffing sector, the segments experienced an overall slowdown. Only providers with diversified portfolios, focusing on strategic solutions, managed services, and other strategic investments, were able to effectively navigate these challenges. As we look forward to 2024-25, there is cautious optimism for the UK economy. The new government offers hope for modest growth, which could positively influence the contingent talent and strategic solutions market, though a full recovery in business confidence may take time. This report examines the contingent talent and strategic solutions landscape’s dynamics in the UK and its impact on the UK contingent staffing market in 2023 under the lens of IT and business and professionals staffing. It provides a market overview and analyzes the areas where providers differentiate themselves based on the comprehensive Everest Group PEAK Matrix®. Scope Industry: contingent talent and strategic solutions Geography: UK Skills coverage: IT, business and professionals Contents The report analyzes the performance of various UK contingent talent and strategic solution providers and examines: The UK contingent talent and strategic solution provider landscape 17 UK IT contingent talent and strategic solutions providers and classifies them into Leaders, Major Contenders, and Aspirants on Everest Group’s proprietary PEAK Matrix® framework 16 UK business and professionals contingent talent and strategic solutions providers and classifies them into Leaders, Major Contenders, and Aspirants on Everest Group’s proprietary PEAK Matrix® framework Providers’ capability assessment on seven dimensions: market adoption, portfolio mix, value delivered, scope of services offered, innovation and investments, delivery footprints, and vision and strategy Each contingent talent and strategic solution provider’s key strengths and limitations Membership(s) Contingent Staffing Sourcing and Vendor Management

The US industrial staffing and strategic solutions market faced a downturn in 2023 due to reduced consumer demand, lower production activity, and pressures on costs and margins amid an economic slowdown. Additionally, recent labor regulations further disrupted the industrial staffing sector. Despite the overall market deceleration, there are growth opportunities in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and e-commerce. These segments are expected to drive future demand for industrial staffing, especially in high-skilled and in-demand roles. Successful providers in this market are investing in developing capabilities in these resilient segments, focusing on enhancing associate benefits, safety training, upskilling opportunities, adopting digital staffing approaches, offering onsite solutions, and more. This report explores the industrial contingent staffing provider landscape’s dynamics in the US and its market impact in 2023. It provides the market’s overview and analyzes how different industrial contingent talent and strategic solutions providers can be differentiated using the comprehensive Everest Group PEAK Matrix®. Scope Industry: contingent talent and strategic solutions Geography: US Skills coverage: industrial Contents The report analyzes the performance of 21 industrial contingent talent and strategic solutions providers in the US and examines: Their key strengths and limitations and classifies them into Leaders, Major Contenders, and Aspirants The providers’ capabilities on seven dimensions: market adoption, portfolio mix, value delivered, scope of services offered, innovation and investments, delivery footprints, and vision and strategy Membership(s) Contingent Staffing Sourcing and Vendor Management

The US contingent talent and strategic solutions market slowed in 2023, as enterprises faced cost and margin pressures amid the economic slowdown. Notably, while the economic downturn had adverse effects on US staffing providers, a substantial gap in talent supply-demand persisted, driven by the need for specialized skills in rapidly growing industries, technology interventions, and a heightened need for managed services. Enterprise expectations from contingent talent providers also increased, extending beyond transactional engagements to a growing interest in strategic solutions and managed services. This report examines the US professional contingent staffing provider landscape and assesses its impact on the market in 2023. It focuses particularly on contingent talent and strategic solutions in IT, engineering, and business and professional skills. Using Everest Group’s PEAK Matrix® assessment, the report identifies areas where providers are distinguishing themselves and discusses how providers are navigating the challenging yet opportunity-laden market landscape. Scope Industry: contingent talent and strategic solutions Geography: US Skills coverage: IT, engineering, and business and professional skills Contents The report analyzes various contingent talent and strategic solution providers’ performance and examines: The US contingent talent and strategic solutions provider landscape US Contingent Staffing Provider PEAK Matrix® Assessment: classification of 30 US IT contingent talent and strategic solutions providers, 23 US engineering contingent talent and strategic solutions providers, and 24 US business and professionals contingent talent and strategic solutions providers into Leaders, Major Contenders, and Aspirants Everest Group’s provider analysis: US contingent talent and strategic solutions providers’ capability assessment on seven dimensions: market adoption, portfolio mix, value delivered, scope of services offered, innovation and investments, delivery footprints, and vision and strategy Remarks on each provider’s key strengths and limitations Membership(s) Contingent Staffing Sourcing and Vendor Management

In this report, we examine the vital role of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATSs) within the contingent staffing industry. From being centralized systems of record to evolving into indispensable technology platforms, ATSs have undergone a remarkable transformation. Our research explores the evolution of staffing ATSs, analyzing their intricate interconnections with other platforms in the staffing technology ecosystem, such as Candidate Relationship Management software (CRM), payroll software, and Vendor Management Systems (VMS) We highlight the key trends driving the staffing ATS market and delve into the essential features and functionalities that distinguish a native staffing ATS platform. Tailored specifically to contingent staffing providers, our analysis provides actionable insights for both established industry leaders and emerging firms. By focusing solely on ATSs serving contingent staffing, we provide targeted recommendations and strategies to optimize staffing operations. In this report, we examine the staffing ATS market landscape, identify key differentiating factors for selecting an ATS provider, and profile predominant participants in the industry. Whether staffing providers seek to enhance their existing staffing technology infrastructure or explore options for ATS adoption, our report serves as an indispensable guide to navigate the terrain of staffing ATSs. Scope Industry: staffing ATS Geography: global Contents In this report, we examine: Staffing ATS market overview Key differentiating factors for a staffing ATS Predominant staffing ATS provider profiles Membership(s) Contingent Staffing Sourcing and Vendor Management

In the aftermath of the pandemic, the contingent talent and strategic solutions industry experienced an unprecedented surge in demand, driving substantial growth throughout 2022. This surge was primarily fueled by enterprises grappling with persistent challenges in talent acquisition, marked by both a skills deficit and a notable rate of voluntary employee turnover. Despite a degree of market growth deceleration in 2023 due to macroeconomic uncertainties, the underlying imbalance between talent supply and demand persisted, resulting in a prolonged global talent shortage. In this report, we explore the enduring talent gap and highlight the opportunities that have emerged for contingent talent and strategic solution providers. These opportunities encompass strategic investments in technology-driven solutions, the expansion of managed services, and the implementation of comprehensive learning and upskilling initiatives. Scope: This report analyzes and draws insights from year-round coverage across 50+ US and 25+ UK contingent talent and strategic solutions providers Industry: contingent talent and strategic solutions Geography: US and UK Contents: In this report, we examine: Contingent talent and a strategic solutions market overview Key market trends Key investment themes for providers The provider landscape Membership(s) Contingent Staffing Sourcing and Vendor Management

The UK's contingent talent and strategic solutions industry underwent significant transformation in 2021-22. Amidst the challenges of adverse macroeconomic conditions and an impending recession in 2022, enterprises faced a talent shortage due to scarcity of skilled workers and worker attrition. Service providers responded by prioritizing upskilling, bridging the skills gap, and promoting inclusive talent acquisition. Their initiatives included targeted outreach, inclusive job descriptions, unbiased screening, and collaboration with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) organizations. Technology played a pivotal role as digital platforms and tools streamlined operations, improved candidate sourcing, and enhanced workforce management. AI-powered candidate matching and online talent marketplaces gained prominence, providing efficient ways to connect employers with contingent workers. This report analyzes the dynamics of the UK contingent talent and strategic solutions provider landscape and its impact on the overall UK contingent talent and strategic solutions market in 2022. It specifically focuses on IT and business and professionals staffing and strategic solutions in the UK. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the market and examines how providers differentiate themselves using the extensive Everest Group PEAK Matrix® as a benchmark for analysis. Scope Industry: contingent talent and strategic solutions Geography: UK Skills coverage: IT, engineering, business and professionals Contents The report analyzes the performance of various UK contingent talent and strategic solutions providers and examines: The UK contingent talent and strategic solutions provider landscape UK Contingent Staffing Provider PEAK Matrix® Assessment: Classification of 17 UK IT contingent talent and strategic solutions providers into Leaders, Major Contenders, and Aspirants on Everest Group’s proprietary PEAK Matrix® framework Classification of 16 UK business and professionals contingent talent and strategic solutions providers into Leaders, Major Contenders, and Aspirants on Everest Group’s proprietary PEAK Matrix® framework Everest Group analysis of providers: UK contingent talent and strategic solutions providers’ capability assessment on seven dimensions: market adoption, portfolio mix, value delivered, scope of services offered, innovation and investments, delivery footprints, and vision and strategy Remarks on key strengths and limitations of each contingent talent and strategic solutions provider Membership(s) Contingent Staffing Sourcing and Vendor Management

After the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for contingent talent surged, leading to continued growth in the US contingent talent and strategic solutions industry throughout 2022. The scarcity of skilled workers drove this growth, as enterprises faced ongoing challenges in acquiring talent due to both a skills shortage and voluntary employee turnover. Despite concerns about an impending recession, the talent supply and demand imbalance persisted, resulting in a prolonged talent shortage in the US. This situation created an opportunity for providers of contingent talent and strategic solutions to address the talent gap by investing in various areas, including technology-driven solutions, managed services, learning and upskilling programs, and fostering DEI. This report analyzes the intricate dynamics of the US contingent talent and strategic solutions provider landscape and its impact on the overall US contingent talent and strategic solutions market in 2022. It specifically focuses on IT staffing, engineering staffing, business and professionals staffing, and industrial staffing. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the market and examines how providers differentiate themselves using the extensive Everest Group PEAK Matrix® as a benchmark for analysis. Scope Industry: contingent talent and strategic solutions Geography: US Skills coverage: IT, engineering, business and professionals, and industrial Contents The report analyzes the performance of various contingent talent and strategic solutions providers and examines: The US contingent talent and strategic solutions provider landscape US Contingent Staffing Provider PEAK Matrix® Assessment: Classification of 28 US IT contingent talent and strategic solutions providers into Leaders, Major Contenders, and Aspirants on Everest Group’s proprietary PEAK Matrix® framework Classification of 22 US engineering contingent talent and strategic solutions providers into Leaders, Major Contenders, and Aspirants on Everest Group’s proprietary PEAK Matrix® framework Classification of 23 US business and professionals contingent talent and strategic solutions providers into Leaders, Major Contenders, and Aspirants on Everest Group’s proprietary PEAK Matrix® framework Classification of 21 US industrial contingent talent and strategic solutions providers into Leaders, Major Contenders, and Aspirants on Everest Group’s proprietary PEAK Matrix® framework Everest Group analysis of providers: US contingent talent and strategic solutions providers’ capability assessment on seven dimensions: market adoption, portfolio mix, value delivered, scope of services offered, innovation and investments, delivery footprints, and vision and strategy Remarks on key strengths and limitations of each contingent talent and strategic solutions provider Membership(s) Contingent Staffing Sourcing and Vendor Management