Digital Contract Recruitment: Are Businesses Still Hiring Contractors

The digital landscape is evolving at lightning speed, and with it, so are hiring strategies. One of the biggest shifts in recent years has been the growing reliance on contract, interim and freelance talent. In our latest digital salary survey, 44% of digital businesses reported they are actively utilising digital contract recruitment to support their projects.

But here’s the real question – are businesses truly making the most of this flexible and highly skilled workforce?

Why contractors are still in demand

The demand for contractors isn’t slowing down, and for good reason. Businesses are recognising the strategic advantages of having access to specialist talent on demand, without the long-term overheads of permanent hires.

When we asked digital leaders why they turn to contractors, here’s what they told us:

• Easier to budget (71%) – Contract roles come with a clear, defined cost, making it easier to plan project spend without unexpected payroll commitments.
• On-off resource (50%) – Need someone for a specific project or skill gap? Contractors can be brought in for exactly as long as they’re needed – no more, no less.
• Speed of project delivery (36%) – Skilled contractors are often able to hit the ground running, accelerating timelines without lengthy onboarding periods.

In other words, contractors are giving businesses the agility they need to adapt quickly to market changes and evolving digital priorities.

Long-term expertise without permanent ties

While many assume contractors are purely short-term hires, our data tells a different story. 71% of respondents work with 1–10 contractors at any given time, and 43% engage them for durations exceeding 12 months.

This shows that contractors aren’t just “quick fixes”. They can become an embedded part of your team for significant periods, bringing both continuity and specialist knowledge to your projects.

Make the most of digital contract talent

Having access to TechNET Digital’s extensive contract network means the right talent is always ready and waiting for your next project. Whether you need a digital strategist, a UX specialist or a data engineer, there’s a good chance the perfect skill set is already out there in the contractor market.

Don’t just fill roles! Be sure to strategically leverage contract recruitment to deliver results faster, control costs, and keep your business agile in an unpredictable market. Find out more about our digital contract recruitment services or submit your vacancy to the team!