12
October
2023
October 12, 2023
In the ever-changing landscape of the hospitality industry, adaptability is key. Plans change day to day, week to week, and you’re never sure what’s going to happen next to throw a spanner in the works and potentially jeopardise a service.
This is especially so in London when something as simple as a faulty transport link might mean a number of staff won’t be able to make it to work. There is always something that can go wrong - the trick is to be prepared and to have a backup plan.
It should be a priority, therefore, for businesses to have an adaptable and flexible workforce to combat these unexpected issues and delays.
What is a blended workforce?
One of the most innovative approaches gaining traction at the moment is the concept of a "blended" workforce. This model involves a harmonious mix of long-term employed staff and short-term, self-employed professionals.
Create a Blended Workforce with Brigad
For businesses in London, this strategy holds immense growth potential and can be a lifesaver for small businesses with tight budgets and even tighter margins.
Short-term staff leaves extra room in the budget, plus their flexibility will be relied upon if operating in a small team where one member ill could mean closure. The Brigad app is a great way to connect with experienced, professional freelancers who are looking for short-term work.
Simply select the role you need filled and provide the relevant details - the mission will then be sent to qualified freelancers with the necessary skills. 80% of missions are accepted in less than 2 hours.
Why use a Blended Workforce?
Specialised Expertise
One of London’s defining features is the city’s diversity - the city is a melting pot of many cultures and talents. Why not make use of this by working with a variety of professionals, each with their experience and knowledge to bring to the business?
By tapping into Brigad’s community of freelancers, businesses can bring in specialists with unique skills. Whether it's a chef renowned for a specific cuisine or a bartender with a flair for mixology (mixologist), these experts can elevate the quality of service provided.
Brigad’s users undergo a strict vetting process to ensure that the app’s users have the necessary skillset and are all experienced in the industry.
One downside to a blended workforce that you might be thinking of is a potential lack in consistency in service. After all, many hospitality businesses will have a unique way of approaching services, arranging dishes and drinks, etc, which can be difficult for new team members to pick up.
However, this challenge can be mitigated through thorough onboarding and effective communication. Brigad’s users are experienced and professional - with ample communication, they will be able to adapt to the style of each individual business.
Flexibility and Adaptability
The hospitality industry is notorious for its fluctuating demands, influenced by seasonal trends and special events. This demand is especially unpredictable in London where a big one-off event could be announced at any minute and bring thousands of new people into the area, requiring extra staff on short notice.
A blended workforce provides businesses the agility to scale up or down as needed. By relying on self-employed professionals during peak times, businesses can ensure they have the right amount of staff without the burden of long-term commitments.
The Brigad app is quick and easy to use - you can post missions in less than 3 mins, and 80% of missions are accepted in less than 2 hours.
Cost-Effectiveness
For small businesses operating on tight margins, using self-employed professionals can be a cost-effective solution - especially for short-term projects or during seasonal spikes in demand.
Self-employed workers avoid the fixed labour costs associated with full-time employees, including benefits and training expenses. This allows businesses to allocate their budget strategically, meaning that they can leverage their resources for maximum impact when they need it most.
Don’t waste money employing staff to work dead hours - find the people you need, when you need them.
Fresh Perspectives and Ideas
There is nothing more valuable than a fresh perspective. Introducing new faces into the workforce can inject fresh energy and creativity into the team.
Freelancers often bring a wealth of diverse experiences from working with different clients and industries. This infusion of ideas can lead to innovative approaches and solutions that benefit the business.
Of course, the downside to short-term relationships is that your highly talented, professional and creative team member will leave to accept a new mission. In other words, you might want them to offer a long-term commitment.
You are free to offer them a permanent position - there are no rules in Brigad’s terms of use that prohibit this. However, if the talent wishes to remain a freelancer, you can add them to your favourites list on the Brigad app to work with them again and again for regular missions.
Brigad is not an agency - there are no middlemen - you can communicate with the talent directly and arrange work that suits both the business and the worker.
Create a Blended Workforce with Brigad
When adaptability is such a crucial aspect of a successful hospitality business, creating a blended workforce of employed and self-employed individuals can offer a solution to a host of potential problems.
In embracing a blended workforce, businesses not only gain access to a diverse pool of talent, but also position themselves as adaptable and forward-thinking enterprises. By leveraging the specialised skills and flexibility of Brigad’s self-employed professionals, businesses can create a winning formula for success.
Brigad is a mission-driven company, committed to making work attractive and accessible to all. Since 2016, we have empowered thousands of hospitality businesses across London, Birmingham, and Manchester to easily reinforce their teams with self-employed hospitality professionals when they find themselves lacking support.
Find backup when you need it, even at the last minute. 80% of missions are accepted in less than 2 hours, and with no middlemen and limited admin, you can connect directly with freelancers.
