--- title: 3 Workforce Trends Transforming Contingent Labor in 2024 description: Explore the latest trends and regulatory updates in the contingent labor market as we dive into AI integration, new DOL rules on independent contractors, and the remote vs. in-office work debate in 2024! image: https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/dol%20rule%20-%20ic%20compliance%20(1).png --- [![PopulusGroup_Plane_Logo_rgb-01](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/PG%20Registered%20Logos/PopulusGroup_Plane_Logo_rgb-01.png?width=1966&height=1530&name=PopulusGroup_Plane_Logo_rgb-01.png "PopulusGroup_Plane_Logo_rgb-01")](https://www.populusgroup.com/en) - [Employers](https://www.populusgroup.com/en/workforce-solutions) - [Careers](https://www.populusgroup.com/en/job-seeker) - [Contractors](https://www.populusgroup.com/en/contractor-resources) - [Blog](https://blog.populusgroup.com) - [About](https://www.populusgroup.com/en/about) - [Impact](https://www.populusgroup.com/en/impact) - [Work With Us](https://www.populusgroup.com/en/contact) [The PG Blog](https://blog.populusgroup.com) Search Search this site on Google Search Google Subscribe ### Subscribe to Email Updates Select Category - [Industry (52)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/industry) - [Diversity (44)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/diversity) - [Climber Stories (31)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/climber-stories) - [Community (28)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/community) - [Foreign National Talent Management (26)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/foreign-national-talent-management) - [Compliance (25)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/compliance) - [Leadership (25)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/leadership) - [Staffing and Recruiting (24)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/staffing-and-recruiting) - [Contingent Workforce Trends (21)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/contingent-workforce-trends) - [Careers (16)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/careers) - [Military Veterans (15)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/military-veterans) - [Legislation (13)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/legislation) - [Independent Contractor Compliance (ICC) (12)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/independent-contractor-compliance-icc) - [Personal Development (12)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/personal-development) - [Professional Development (10)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/professional-development) - [Company Culture (9)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/company-culture) - [PG Celebrates (8)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/pg-celebrates) - [Managed Service Provider (MSP) (7)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/managed-service-provider-msp) - [Mental Health (5)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/mental-health) - [Pay It Forward (5)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/pay-it-forward) - [Payroll Services (5)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/payroll-services) - [Sustainability (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/sustainability) - [AI (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/ai) - [Contractor Experience (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/contractor-experience) Select Author - [Populus Group (70)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/populus-group) - [Bobby Herrera (34)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/bobby-herrera) - [Whitney Barton (25)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/whitney-barton) - [Samantha Heilman (15)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/samantha-heilman) - [Brandon Wischmeyer (14)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/brandon-wischmeyer) - [Cynthia Waddell (10)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/cynthia-waddell) - [Ejay Oravecz (8)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/ejay-oravecz) - [Austin McCool (8)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/austin-mccool) - [Jen Pasquier (6)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jen-pasquier) - [Jackie McCool (6)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jackie-mccool) - [Brandon Byrd (5)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/brandon-byrd) - [Tom Mehl (5)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/tom-mehl) - [Briana Walker and Kristine Baker (4)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/briana-walker-and-kristine) - [Sebastian Puravet (4)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/sebastian-puravet) - [Jaylynn Hogeboom (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jaylynn-hogeboom) - [Kathryn Crimmins (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/kathryn-crimmins) - [Danielle Hein (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/danielle-hein) - [Taniesha Thomas & Tiasha Holcomb (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/tanisha-thomas-tiasha-holcomb) - [Raul Ramos (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/raul-ramos) - [Donna Morris (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/donna-morris) - [DE&I Council (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/diversity-inclusion-council) - [Rosemarie Fontela (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/rosemarie-fontela) - [Brooke Stovall (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/brooke-stovall) - [Eric Schmitz (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/eric-schmitz) - [Jessica Bitell (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jessica-bitell) - [Kyle Heilman (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/kyle-heilman) - [Mario L. Lambert II (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/mario-l-lambert-ii) - [Dr. Jenna Rowen (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/dr-jenna-rowen) - [Liz Waters (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/liz-waters) - [Maxwell Barry (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/maxwell-barry) - [Megan Mallie (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/megan-mallie) - [Taniesha Thomas (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/taniesha-thomas) - [Derek Kimmerle (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/derek-kimmerle) - [Shelby Gerschick (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/shelby-gerschick) - [Jennifer Stevens (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jennifer-stevens) - [Leah Koskinen (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/leah-koskinen) - [Alyse Nilson (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/alyse-nilson) - [Jen Colburn (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jen-colburn) - [Jim Mann (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jim-mann) - [Ejay Oravecz & Austin McCool (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/ejay-oravecz-austin-mccool) - [Joy Goberville (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/joy-goberville) - [Bismah Khan (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/bismah-khan) - [Irene Lawrence (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/irene-lawrence) - [Ron Lippitt (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/ron-lippitt) - [Andrea Pulkkinen (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/andrea-pulkkinen) - [Ed Herrera (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/ed-herrera) - [Pride Alliance ERG (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/pride-alliance-erg) - [Joanna Esparza (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/joanna-esparza) - [Nicole Stevens-Delgado (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/nicole-stevens-delgado) - [Billy Alfonsi (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/billy-alfonsi) - [Brandon Bates (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/brandon-bates) - [Judy Yang (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/judy-yang) - [Pamela Warchuck (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/pamela-warchuck) - [Rosemarie Fontela & Denis Kenny (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/rosemarie-fontela-denis-kenny) - [Brookie Clark (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/brookie-clark) - [Darwin Morgan (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/darwin-morgan) - [Bunker Labs (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/bunker-labs) - [Joy Bartolome (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/joy-bartolome) - [Josh Hauser (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/josh-hauser) - [Karen Philbrick (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/karen-philbrick) - [Helen Konrad (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/helen-konrad) - [Michelle Nyhart & Ejay Oravecz (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/michelle-nyhart-ejay-oravecz) - [The Cultures Connected ERG (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/cultures-connected-erg) - [Derrick Workman (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/derrick-workman) - [Frank DeCastro (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/frank-decastro) - [Tim Zeches (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/tim-zeches) - [Izabela Miklas (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/izabela-miklas) - [Justin Stewart (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/justin-stewart) - [Stephanie DeStefanis (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/stephanie-destefanis) - [Dominic Charleston (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/dominic-charleston) - [Cheryl Longo (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/cheryl-longo) - [Dorian Cast (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/dorian-cast) - [Sydnie Chy (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/sydnie-chy) - [Josh Schreck (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/josh-schreck) - [Jacob Houston (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jacob-houston) - [Jillian Seidl (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jillian-seidl) - [Matt King (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/matt-king) - [Marcella Cheng (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/marcella-cheng) - [David Kaggwa (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/david-kaggwa) - [Lance Schroder (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/lance-schroder) - [Stephanie Hill (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/stephanie-hill) - [Megan Anderson (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/megan-anderson) - [Michelle Fedorkiw (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/michelle-fedorkiw) - [Kimberly Mills (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/kimberly-mills) - [Denis Kenny (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/denis-kenny) - [Tim Wang (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/tim-wang) # 3 Workforce Trends Transforming Contingent Labor in 2024 [![Austin McCool](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Austin%20McCool-1.png)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/austin-mccool) [by Austin McCool](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/austin-mccool) ![firmbee-com-eMemmpUojlw-unsplash](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/firmbee-com-eMemmpUojlw-unsplash.jpg?width=587&height=391&name=firmbee-com-eMemmpUojlw-unsplash.jpg) It’s hard to believe 2024 is almost half over already. As we approach the midpoint of 2024, the labor market continues to evolve, especially in the contingent workforce sector. This dynamic space is constantly influenced by new trends and regulatory changes that can impact your business operations. In this blog, we'll dive into some of the key developments affecting the contingent labor landscape, from the integration of artificial intelligence to the latest labor regulations and the ongoing debate about remote work.   Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead in the rapidly changing world of contingent labor:   ###### 1. AI adoption is continuing, but it’s complicated.![igor-omilaev-eGGFZ5X2LnA-unsplash](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/igor-omilaev-eGGFZ5X2LnA-unsplash.jpg?width=461&height=384&name=igor-omilaev-eGGFZ5X2LnA-unsplash.jpg) Widespread adoption of AI is progressing but finding people who understand its intricacies is a challenge.[\[1\]](https://blog.populusgroup.com/3-workforce-trends-transforming-contingent-labor-in-2024#_ftn1) there are some solutions for this but they can take time. Things like upskilling current workers with AI knowledge and additional certifications could solve this problem but this could also take away from their current priorities. The integration of AI is going to continue being a problem of resource management until the knowledge and the labor market catches up with the markets speed of adoption. It's kind of like starting a lemonade stand, but not knowing how to make lemonade and the people that do know how to make lemonade are making lemonade for other people. Those people could teach you how to make lemonade but it's going to take some time for their ability to open. However, as more people learn to make lemonade there will be more people to teach others how to make lemonade and the market will adjust.   ###### 2. The Department of Labor issued a rule on Independent Contractors and how their status is determined.[\[2\]](https://blog.populusgroup.com/3-workforce-trends-transforming-contingent-labor-in-2024#_ftn2) ![joshua-sukoff-5DDYHjk_KMU-unsplash](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/joshua-sukoff-5DDYHjk_KMU-unsplash.jpg?width=483&height=322&name=joshua-sukoff-5DDYHjk_KMU-unsplash.jpg)On January 10, 2024, the United States Department of Labor (DOL) issued its final rule revising the department’s guidance on how to determine whether a worker is classified as an employee or an independent contractor (IC) under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The rule focuses on the economic realities test developed by various courts, rescinding the previous two factor rule. On March 11, 2024, the new rule outlined [six factors to consider when determining whether to classify a worker as an Employee or Independent Contractor.](https://blog.populusgroup.com/is-your-contractor-really-an-employee-what-the-2024-dol-rule-says) If you are a company who has taken a conservative approach to how that you use independent contractors, this may not affect you as much. However, if you haven't fully understood the qualifications of your IC's and what it takes for them to be legally compliant with their relationship with your business you may want to dive a little deeper into your workforce compliance. We would encourage you to investigate an IC compliance program or reach out to your company's legal department. either way, find an expert.   ###### 3. The remote vs. in-office debate continues. ![luca-bravo-9l_326FISzk-unsplash](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/luca-bravo-9l_326FISzk-unsplash.jpg?width=506&height=337&name=luca-bravo-9l_326FISzk-unsplash.jpg)Fully remote? Fully in-office? Hybrid? Companies large and small are continuing to ask workers to come into the office more. Companies, including Google, Amazon, Meta, and Apple, have implemented return-to-office mandates requiring employees to be in the office at least three days per week as of January 2024. Also, 16 federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Justice, the State Department, and the Federal Aviation Administration, have announced return-to-office mandates.[\[3\]](https://blog.populusgroup.com/3-workforce-trends-transforming-contingent-labor-in-2024#_ftn3)[\[4\]](https://blog.populusgroup.com/3-workforce-trends-transforming-contingent-labor-in-2024#_ftn4)[\[5\]](https://blog.populusgroup.com/3-workforce-trends-transforming-contingent-labor-in-2024#_ftn5) How is your company handling RTO? With more people wanting to work remote, you may run into some talent accessibility issues if you have a firm stance on being in-office. Some things are better done in person, but it seems that a lot of individual contributor work can continue to be done remotely. If you want people in the office, give them a good reason to be there. --- ![mapbox-ZT5v0puBjZI-unsplash](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/mapbox-ZT5v0puBjZI-unsplash.jpg?width=666&height=444&name=mapbox-ZT5v0puBjZI-unsplash.jpg)The contingent labor space is ever changing and we will be keeping close tabs on what is going on the next few months to bring you another edition of this blog in Q3 when the weather is warmer and sun is shining. We encourage you to check out other PG content and talk to us more about what is happening in your contingent labor program! Click the link below to chat with us! [![let's connect!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/450029/interactive-150471970835.png)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIzxswmQClxVMbO70l1YLBIqFlT9EWESoMF09oJNIQZVgX29O%2F2Fw8LlFDVjrHBWwiN7DhfyWLMLfdyuD2AZuzQuvqHBqLD4D1ZYzCUSqskaPlDNI663NoDlRHGQCKWKfmBdu065Rv%2FSUGQC3S1mK%2B%2FXIHFo24NWRCsX1VSUXOgLWk1pyJevkPs1Q%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=150471970835&portalId=450029)   ###### *sources* [\[1\]](https://blog.populusgroup.com/3-workforce-trends-transforming-contingent-labor-in-2024#_ftnref1) https://www2.staffingindustry.com/site\_member/Editorial/Daily-News/CFOs-more-upbeat-on-US-economy-generative-AI-talent-is-concern-68725 [\[2\]](https://blog.populusgroup.com/3-workforce-trends-transforming-contingent-labor-in-2024#_ftnref2) https://450029.hubspotpreview-na1.com/\_hcms/preview/email/160256574383?portalId=450029&preview\_key=tENRUQjd&\_preview=true&from\_buffer=false&cacheBust=0&hsPreviewerApp=email [\[3\]](https://blog.populusgroup.com/3-workforce-trends-transforming-contingent-labor-in-2024#_ftnref3) https://www.statista.com/statistics/1416837/tech-companies-return-to-office-mandates-globally/ [\[4\]](https://blog.populusgroup.com/3-workforce-trends-transforming-contingent-labor-in-2024#_ftnref4) https://www.hrdive.com/news/mandatory-return-to-office-400k-federal-workers-jan-2024/701619/ [\[5\]](https://blog.populusgroup.com/3-workforce-trends-transforming-contingent-labor-in-2024#_ftnref5) https://journalrecord.com/2023/12/return-to-office-gains-momentum-as-workforce-evolves/ ## Leave a comment [![Austin McCool](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Austin%20McCool-1.png)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/austin-mccool) Written by [Austin McCool](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/austin-mccool) Austin McCool is Populus Group's Experience Strategist. He works to improve our customer and climber experiences. After work, you can find him wrestling with his 3 kids or trying to decide if it's too late in the day to have another cup of coffee. ### Related posts ###### [Contingent Workforce Trends](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/contingent-workforce-trends), [Independent Contractor Compliance (ICC)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/independent-contractor-compliance-icc), [Legislation](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/legislation), [AI](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/ai) [This year already feels different. Here’s why.](https://blog.populusgroup.com/workforce-trends-in-2026) [![Populus Group](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/PG.png) Populus Group](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/populus-group) ###### [Contingent Workforce Trends](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/contingent-workforce-trends), [Independent Contractor Compliance (ICC)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/independent-contractor-compliance-icc), [Legislation](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/legislation), [AI](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/ai) [Back Again: Populus Group’s 2024 Impact Report](https://blog.populusgroup.com/back-again-populus-groups-2024-impact-report) [![Populus Group](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/PG.png) Populus Group](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/populus-group) ###### [Contingent Workforce Trends](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/contingent-workforce-trends), [Independent Contractor Compliance (ICC)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/independent-contractor-compliance-icc), [Legislation](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/legislation), [AI](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/ai) [New Year, New Job! 5 Tips to Get Hired in 2025](https://blog.populusgroup.com/new-year-new-job-5-tips-to-get-hired-in-2025) [![Populus Group](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/PG.png) Populus Group](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/populus-group) **Corporate Headquarters** Populus Group, Troy Headquarters 3001 West Big Beaver Road Suite 608 Troy, MI 48084 [248-712-7900](tel:248-712-7900) [opportunities@populusgroup.com](mailto:opportunities@populusgroup.com) **Employment Verification Requests\*** [248-928-0530](tel:248-928-0530) [voe@populusgroup.com](mailto:voe@populusgroup.com) [Employer Services](http://www.populusgroup.com/en/workforce-solutions)[Begin Your Job Search](http://www.populusgroup.com/en/job-seeker) ©2023 Populus Group [Privacy Policy](http://www.populusgroup.com/en/privacy-policy)[Terms & Conditions](http://www.populusgroup.com/en/terms-conditions)[Site Map](http://www.populusgroup.com/en/sitemap) [![](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Images/blog/icon-social-fb%20png.png?h=28&la=en&w=28)](https://www.facebook.com/populusgroup) [![](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Images/blog/icon-social-twitter%20png.png?h=28&la=en&w=28)](https://twitter.com/populusgroup) [![](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Images/blog/icon-social-instagram%20png.png?h=28&la=en&w=28)](https://www.instagram.com/populusgroup/) [![](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Images/blog/icon-social-li%20png.png?h=28&la=en&w=28)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/70117/) [![](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Images/blog/icon-social-glassdoor%20png.png?h=28&la=en&w=28)](https://www.glassdoor.com/Overview/Working-at-Populus-Group-EI_IE259242.11,24.htm) [![](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Images/blog/icon-social-youtube%20png.png?h=28&la=en&w=39)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-O9v1hz-Q4OW0Ze0b9O_sg) [![](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Images/blog/icon-social-gplus%20png.png?h=28&la=en&w=28)](https://plus.google.com/u/0/102588349136181669410) ![](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Images/blog/icon-top%20png.png?h=33&la=en&w=33)