Around the world, business organizations are increasingly turning to project-based IT work as a key element of their overall strategy. Contract, contract-to-hire, offshore, and nearshore models have helped many companies reduce costs, gain access to a vast talent pool, and enjoy greater staffing flexibility.

There are no signs that this trend toward project-based work will slow down anytime soon. Studies show that the gig economy is thriving and continues to grow annually. One report projects that in 2027, 86.5 million people will be freelancing in the United States alone, and will make up 50.9 percent of the total U.S. workforce.

With this fundamental change in how IT teams operate, it’s vital that forward-looking organizations analyze the various considerations of project-based work — and if they decide to embrace it, they must also consider how to effectively hire and manage a flexible IT workforce.

Key Reasons Why Project-Based IT Work Will Continue to Grow

There are several factors that have contributed (and continue to contribute) to the emergence and growth of project-based IT work. These include the following:

1. Increased demand for specialized skills

With technology evolving at a breakneck pace, more and more businesses require expertise in AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, and other fields. Oftentimes, hiring full-time employees to fill skills gaps for short-term projects isn’t feasible.

On the other hand, hiring consultants or outsourcing activities to offshore or nearshore teams can provide access to specialized skills without adding permanent staff members to the payroll. Organizations that subscribe to this model are in a much better position to scale up or down according to project needs.

2. The normalization of global collaboration

In many sectors, remote work has become the norm rather than the exception. It’s easier than ever before to collaborate with team members who live in various parts of the world. This is especially true with the recent expansion of offshore and nearshore work models across various industries.

In addition, many IT professionals prefer the freedom and flexibility that contract work offers compared to traditional employment. This means that the global talent pool continues to swell with candidates looking for a change.

3. Faster project delivery

When deployed correctly, the project-based work model can result in faster deliverables. Companies can assemble specialized teams efficiently, thus reducing project turnaround times. This is true in large part because project-based IT teams can focus on executing one project at a time, as opposed to full-time employees who may have a variety of tasks on their plate. When time is of the essence, hiring consultants or outsourcing to offshore/nearshore teams can provide a huge advantage.

4. Attractive work benefits

For many professionals, project-based work is a strategic career choice. The ability to take on short-term roles offers greater earning potential, as companies are often willing to pay a premium for specialized expertise. Additionally, flexible work arrangements allow workers to design a schedule that fits their lifestyle, whether that means remote work, better work-life balance, or the ability to pursue multiple opportunities.

Perhaps most importantly, project-based roles expose professionals to diverse industries, challenges, and teams, helping them build a well-rounded skill set and a resume that stands out in an increasingly competitive job market.

How to Effectively Hire a Project-Based IT Workforce

If you want your project-based hires to be successful, it’s important to adopt a strategic approach. Here are some key steps to finding and securing the right talent:

1. Define your project requirements clearly.

Before setting the hiring process in motion, it’s crucial to outline your project’s scope, deliverables, timeline, budget, and required skills. Not only will a well-defined project help you to identify the candidates most suited to your open roles; it will also help you attract candidates with the right skill set and experience.

2. Choose the right talent model.

Depending on your needs, you can choose from:

• Freelancers and consultants. This option is often ideal for short-term, highly specialized projects.
• Contract-to-hire workers. If a project-based role will likely transition into a long-term need, this would typically be the best route to take.
• Nearshore teams. Nearshore teams are a good option for real-time collaboration with reduced language and time zone barriers.
• Offshore teams. This is often a cost-effective option for larger projects requiring continuous development cycles.

3. Use a reputable placement firm.

In many cases, partnering with an experienced placement firm that has a reputation for delivering quality work is the most cost-effective option for sourcing talent. For example, at The Doyle Group we offer assistance with all the arrangements listed above. We also have a broad talent network that helps us source the best candidates for specific client needs.

Managing a Flexible Workforce While Maintaining Quality

Of course, hiring the right candidate(s) for your project is only the first step. It’s also key to effectively manage your team so that they deliver consistent, high-quality work.

To keep your workforce aligned and productive, you must first establish clear communication channels. Determine which collaboration tools your team will use (such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Slack, etc.), and clearly identify their direct reports and points of contact.

It’s also imperative that you establish clear milestones for project success and deadlines that must be met along the way. Many companies designate a project manager and leverage Agile methodologies to help streamline workflows and ensure quality outcomes. In addition, you may need to take steps to ensure data security and compliance, especially if your project involves handling sensitive data.

Continue to foster a spirit of team collaboration and inclusion. Clearly document tasks that must be performed, and who has ownership of each task. Schedule regular “check-in” meetings, both with individual contributors and your team as a whole.

Finally, continue to monitor your team’s performance, and don’t hesitate to provide feedback as needed. Regular feedback sessions will ensure alignment with project goals and help your team to continuously improve.

Prepare for the Future With Project-Based IT Work

In summary, project-based IT work will continue to grow in 2025 and the years beyond. By strategically hiring and managing a flexible workforce, companies can drive innovation, reduce costs, and ensure high-quality outcomes.

For more information on how our team at The Doyle Group can help you achieve the results you need from your next project, reach out today.