90% of Organisations Are Failing to Get the Most From Independent Talent, New Report Finds

Why It Matters

Companies that fail to mature their freelance programs miss significant ROI and agility gains, while competitors that embed freelancers as a core workforce pillar gain a clear market edge.

Key Takeaways

• Only 10% of firms are freelance‑mature.
• Mature firms see 62% ROI vs 36%.
• 47% of firms need >15 days to source freelancers.
• 84% lack tools to re‑engage top freelancers.

Pulse Analysis

Freelance talent has shifted from a peripheral cost‑saving measure to a strategic asset, yet most organisations still treat it as an ad‑hoc solution. The Malt report, based on a survey of 140 global businesses, reveals a stark maturity gap: only 11% of firms have built a structured freelance ecosystem, while the majority lag in sourcing speed and performance tracking. This disconnect hampers the ability to tap into specialised skills quickly, a critical disadvantage in today’s talent‑short environment.

Data from the study underscores the financial upside of maturity. Companies classified as "Trailblazers" enjoy a 62% return on investment, nearly double the 36% reported by less‑mature peers. Centralised leadership—joint oversight by HR and procurement—appears in 91% of mature firms, enabling consistent compliance, metric‑driven management, and faster onboarding. By measuring engagement outcomes and maintaining a talent pool, these organisations reduce time‑to‑hire and secure higher‑quality freelancers, translating into faster innovation cycles and cost efficiencies.

For firms seeking to close the gap, the path forward involves building a dedicated freelance program: implement centralised tools for sourcing and re‑engagement, establish clear compliance frameworks, and embed key performance indicators into the talent strategy. Malt’s online assessment offers a practical starting point, helping companies benchmark their current state and outline actionable steps. As the gig economy expands, organisations that institutionalise freelance talent will not only mitigate skill shortages but also create a more resilient, scalable workforce capable of sustaining competitive advantage.