Leaders, 

We are navigating one of the most challenging global economies in recent history, where talent is increasingly difficult to find, afford, and retain.    

In every developed nation, talent shortages persist. Across companies, budgets have tightened, deadlines have grown shorter, and many leaders are stretched thin.

Yet an innovative set of leaders and companies have found a solution to match their talent and productivity needs. From Schneider Electric to Microsoft to Airbus, household brands have turned to the power of flexible talent and freelance talent platforms to move their business forward.

Malt is Europe’s leading flexible talent platform. Founded in 2013, Malt has helped over 800,000 freelancers and 70,000 clients across 9 countries.

In October, Human Cloud had the privilege to open and lead the panel for Malt’s Freelance Forward Summit in Berlin and Munich. There were over 150 executives and consultants, and on each panel, there was a Malt Executive, Freelancer, and Client embracing a flexible talent strategy. 

This episode highlights the Munich panel, where we’ll learn from Vincent Huguet, Malt’s CEO, Martina Reiss, Freelance HR Consultant, and Marion Latreche, Senior Indirect Procurement Officer.

Key takeaways:

• Freelancing is becoming a significant part of the workforce in Europe.

• The demand for freelancers is growing, especially in Germany.

• Flexibility is a key reason many choose freelancing.

• Compliance and security are top concerns for companies hiring freelancers.

• Freelancers are increasingly seen as integral to company culture.

• Onboarding processes for freelancers need to be efficient and supportive.

• Companies must develop a clear freelance strategy to succeed.

• The freelance economy is resilient even in economic downturns.

• Talent platforms play a crucial role in connecting freelancers with companies.

• The Future of Work will likely involve a hybrid model of freelancers and full-time employees.