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 Randstad Sourceright. According to results from the firm’s 2019 Talent Trendssurvey (registration), 72 percent of permanent talent and 71 percent of contingent talent find it important to work with a company that emphasises creating an inclusive and diverse workplace.

The gig economy in the US is growing exponentially, and with projections of freelancers making up almost half of the US workforce by 2027, employers are keen on engaging this talent pool. As employers consider the total workforce ? including a combination of traditional permanent employees, independent contractors, freelancers, statement of work (SOW) talent and others ? companies need to highlight how they meet the needs of all workers to attract top talent.

Globally, 87 percent of human capital leaders have committed to making diversity and inclusion a priority for their organisations, according to a PwC survey on global diversity and inclusion, and this commitment is starting to translate into action. In just two years, the total number of companies with greater than 30 percent diversity increased from 64 companies to 75 companies between 2016 and 2018.