![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BOOMFHADSG6JZWZEJD4CK66YCY.jpg?smart=true&auth=9851a60b8ce9455dd7e1d677d4e6b81611c3d4dc314795dd54911aa5d48305bf&width=400&height=225)
Growing numbers of GCC governments are creating schemes, usually through free zones, to allow individuals to operate as contract employees.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/TZSSXJT6QW37ZHLVC6YETH3FCQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=0d1e16eea202d5ec4dcc42c6440396e3a626003b1e48442d37f27820ea6864a1&width=400&height=225)
A blended workforce of contractors and full-time employees is a growing trend in the GCC, as the tie between a job and a visa for expatriate workers weakens across the GCC.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/FRHULVFLFLYDXVS5HVI522OBAA.jpg?smart=true&auth=16a42079c0e5e644551a988713a439bd18ba4fe388ef426c14759032fe54a9e6&width=400&height=225)
Nearly two-thirds of GCC businesses would consider permanently combining full-time employees with part-timers in the future, according to a survey by staffing agency, Tasc Outsourcing. All pictures by Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QWSZVPEKEN6B5HKVZWLTT23LOM.jpg?smart=true&auth=17dfca9bf9306c450d9946129199048a498aff37be7075ff848d47aa8d2aaee1&width=400&height=225)
Nearly two-thirds of employers cited speedy scaling up or down of the workforce as a benefit of a 'blended workforce', while 62 per cent said contract employees gave them access to a highly skilled talent pool with niche experience.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/OQBIPR2B7DT7KXO4STCJ7CBQMI.jpg?smart=true&auth=6b23ffae92a209905198cdb84bc8bfa48257ce2fb57383a98e04b74d51e5e358&width=400&height=225)
Just over half of HR managers said a blended workforce lowered overhead costs, and facilitated a flexible and agile workforce.
A third said it increased productivity.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BOOMFHADSG6JZWZEJD4CK66YCY.jpg?smart=true&auth=9851a60b8ce9455dd7e1d677d4e6b81611c3d4dc314795dd54911aa5d48305bf&width=400&height=225)
Growing numbers of GCC governments are creating schemes, usually through free zones, to allow individuals to operate as contract employees.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/TZSSXJT6QW37ZHLVC6YETH3FCQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=0d1e16eea202d5ec4dcc42c6440396e3a626003b1e48442d37f27820ea6864a1&width=400&height=225)
A blended workforce of contractors and full-time employees is a growing trend in the GCC, as the tie between a job and a visa for expatriate workers weakens across the GCC.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/FRHULVFLFLYDXVS5HVI522OBAA.jpg?smart=true&auth=16a42079c0e5e644551a988713a439bd18ba4fe388ef426c14759032fe54a9e6&width=400&height=225)
Nearly two-thirds of GCC businesses would consider permanently combining full-time employees with part-timers in the future, according to a survey by staffing agency, Tasc Outsourcing. All pictures by Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QWSZVPEKEN6B5HKVZWLTT23LOM.jpg?smart=true&auth=17dfca9bf9306c450d9946129199048a498aff37be7075ff848d47aa8d2aaee1&width=400&height=225)
Nearly two-thirds of employers cited speedy scaling up or down of the workforce as a benefit of a 'blended workforce', while 62 per cent said contract employees gave them access to a highly skilled talent pool with niche experience.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/OQBIPR2B7DT7KXO4STCJ7CBQMI.jpg?smart=true&auth=6b23ffae92a209905198cdb84bc8bfa48257ce2fb57383a98e04b74d51e5e358&width=400&height=225)
Just over half of HR managers said a blended workforce lowered overhead costs, and facilitated a flexible and agile workforce.
A third said it increased productivity.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BOOMFHADSG6JZWZEJD4CK66YCY.jpg?smart=true&auth=9851a60b8ce9455dd7e1d677d4e6b81611c3d4dc314795dd54911aa5d48305bf&width=400&height=225)
Growing numbers of GCC governments are creating schemes, usually through free zones, to allow individuals to operate as contract employees.
UAE jobs and salaries: Employers look to freelancers to lower costs in blended workforce model
More companies are considering a mix of full time staff and project-based casual workers
Gillian Duncan
27 April, 2021
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