The Unlock: Humanity at Work A New Way of Working: Full-Time, Part-Time and My-Time with Tony Buffum
Sep 30, 2024
Tony Buffum, an Upwork executive and former HR leader, dives into the transformative landscape of work. He highlights that by 2017, freelancers were projected to make up half of the U.S. workforce, a trend largely driven by Gen Z's embrace of freelancing and tools like generative AI. The conversation covers the innovative shift towards a 'my-time' workforce, necessitating a rethinking of employer control over time. Tony emphasizes the need for HR leaders to adopt an access-over-acquisition mindset to better navigate this evolving environment.
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Access Over Acquisition
- The freelance marketplace offers on-demand expertise so companies can 'rent' skills without committing headcount.
- Tony Buffum argues this access model gives HR agility to solve short-term and strategic needs.
HR Exec's Conversion Story
- Tony Buffum describes his shift from skepticism to adopting Upwork while at Stanley Black & Decker.
- He used the platform after seeing forecasts that freelancing would expand to half the U.S. workforce by 2027.
Gen Z Drives Freelance Growth
- Freelancing spans generations but is most prevalent in Gen Z, who value flexibility and already freelance in large numbers.
- Gen Z also adopts generative AI faster, increasing their market value to employers.