PwC launches Flexible Talent Network to tap into gig economy

Consulting firm PwC has launched a gig economy platform that allows people to offer their skills for hire without working traditional hours.

The Flexible Talent Network allows interested parties to list their skills and preferred work pattern when they apply. They can state a preference to work shorter weekly working hours or work for a few months a year on a project basis. The company will then match recruits to relevant projects rather than specific roles.

More than 2,000 people have registered with the network so far in the two weeks since it was launched. PwC decided to launch the platform after almost half of respondents to a survey said they would prioritise flexible working hours and work-life balance when choosing a job.

PwC’s chief people officer, Laura Hinton, explained: “People assume that to work at a big firm they need to follow traditional working patterns – we want to make it clear that this isn’t the case.

“In order to recruit the best people, we recognise that we need to offer greater flexibility, different working options and a route back in for those looking to restart their careers.

“We’re likely to see a rise in people transitioning in and out of work throughout their careers and those organisations who responsibly support their people to do this will ultimately gain a competitive advantage.”

PwC aims to attract a range of skills, from qualified accountants (in particular those with auditing experience) and professionals with project management and digital experience.

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The company also announced that it is launching a six-month paid senior internship programme Back to Business, designed to help senior professionals to restart their career after an extended break.

The company is not the first of the ‘big four’ accounting and consulting firms to launch a talent network like this. Deloitte also operates the Deloitte Open Talent Community where it invites candidates to “join our network of independent professionals” and offer their skills for different types of projects.