How to Engage Contractors in a Changing World

Posted Jun 12, 2024

In the wake of the global pandemic, the world has undergone a dramatic shift, transforming the way contractors and clients work, collaborate, and engage with each other. Expectations have changed also and has a result new challenges and opportunities have emerged.

Projects have become shorter and in response to this shift, clients are seeking contractors who possess not only specialised expertise, but also the flexibility and agility to navigate fast-paced projects with ease. Changes in technology and processes means that there is a growing need for highly specialised skillsets among contractors. Additionally, remote working and outsourcing of parts of the project life cycle have put greater emphasis on our communication skills, calling for a new breed of professionals who bring more than just technical know-how to the table. Now, contractors with robust communication skills and a high level of emotional intelligence have become invaluable assets.

So, what are the challenges our clients are sharing with us?

One of the biggest challenges that clients are facing is finding the right professionals in a market that is characterised by a scarcity of specialised talent. Once talent is secured, the battle shifts to retaining these valuable resources. As remote work rises and project timelines shorten, maintaining effective communication and fostering a sense of belonging and purpose among contractors becomes imperative for project/client success. Thus, the challenge extends beyond mere talent acquisition, to crafting solutions for long-term engagement and retention that address the evolving needs and expectations of the modern workforce.

The Solution

Since 2003, LSC has been at the forefront of resource management in the life sciences sector. As the industry landscape continues to evolve, so too has our approach. We’ve expanded our service portfolio beyond simple resource allocation to encompass a comprehensive end-to-end solution.

Resource Flow – Tap into Skilled Professionals Anywhere, Anytime: 

We recognise the vital importance of your projects and the significant influence that the right individuals can exert on their success. With Resource Flow, our latest offering, clients gain immediate access to a curated pipeline of professionals. In today’s competitive market, where skilled candidates are in high demand, Resource Flow streamlines our process, providing clients with efficient access to professionals who are ready to hit the ground running on projects. By proactively building a panel of available candidates, we’re not only bridging the industry’s skills gap but also reinforcing our commitment to delivering exceptional service. With just a click, clients can navigate through candidate profiles, gaining insight into their skills and experience. Resource Flow also provides valuable insight into the market regarding talent availability. As the market for skilled professionals continues to tighten, Resource Flow highlights the current landscape, helping clients understand the availability of candidates and the trends shaping the industry’s workforce.

Self-Service for our Contractors and Clients:

At LSC, our top priority is ensuring a seamless experience for both contractors and clients. We strive to streamline processes, allowing contractors to focus solely on project delivery without the distraction of peripheral tasks. This includes managing simplified time-sheet submissions, processing invoice payments, and offering assistance with accessing information, courses, seminars, and webinars. Additionally, we provide our contractors with self-service options for time-sheet approvals and purchase order tracking. We’ve simplified the invoicing process by eliminating the need for contractors to submit invoices directly; instead, we generate self-bill invoices on behalf of the Ltd Company Consultant.

On the client side, we have introduced a Resource Management Portal.  This portal provides visibility on all consultants within their group, hours worked, purchase orders, invoices received and processed, and contracts due for renewal. By cutting down on administrative tasks, we create a more seamless process for partnering with LSC. Our goal is to make the management of resources as efficient and straightforward as possible, allowing clients to focus on their core business objectives while we handle the rest.

Site-Visits & Regular Check-Ins:

LSC Account Managers visit client sites at least once every quarter to meet with consultants and ensure their needs are met. At LSC, we take full responsibility for seamlessly integrating consultants into their assignments and maintaining strong relationships throughout projects. We conduct regular on-site clinics with consultant teams and remain available throughout the year for discussions on upcoming project requirements

In conclusion, as the global landscape evolves, so do the demands on clients and contractors. The shift towards shorter project timelines and the need for specialised skillsets present new challenges. At LSC, we understand these challenges and have adapted to provide comprehensive end-to-end solutions. A key part of our process is our deep understanding of our clients’ needs and the intricacies of their projects. By meeting with both clients and consultants regularly, we ensure that deliverables are being met and expectations are aligned. We also proactively plan for future projects, building a robust pipeline of candidates to ensure readiness for upcoming demands.

If you are curious to learn more about Resource Flow or would like to find out how we can support your project requirements, contact us today.