In 2026, organisations will continue accelerating digital transformation, adopting AI, and modernising cloud systems, driving even stronger demand for specialised tech expertise. Delivering projects such as AI solutions, cloud migrations, or enhanced cyber security requires professionals who can act quickly and deliver results. As permanent recruitment can take time, many organisations are turning to contractors as a flexible way to deliver projects efficiently.
The rise of freelance work reflects this trend. By 2028, over 90 million people in the US are expected to be freelancing, and the global freelance platforms market is set to more than double, from USD 7.65 billion in 2025 to USD 16.54 billion by 2030.
For businesses, this offers both a challenge and an opportunity. Contractors provide the right skills exactly when they are needed, helping teams maintain momentum, adapt to fast-moving technology trends, and deliver complex initiatives efficiently. Contingent workers also allow companies to evaluate fit and capability before committing to permanent hires, while avoiding long-term overheads like benefits and paid leave. Here are 4 reasons why hiring contractors is a smart move in 2026.
1. Managing cost and risk
Hiring contractors offers a low-risk approach to bringing in expertise for defined projects. Businesses can assess cultural fit, technical capabilities, and how professionals integrate with internal teams before considering permanent hires. While daily rates may be higher than for full-time staff, contingent workers can significantly reduce expenses associated with benefits, paid leave, and extended recruitment cycles. This makes contractor roles a practical solution for organisations needing immediate access to top tech talent without the long-term obligations of permanent employment.
2. Scaling projects and testing expertise
Contingent workers provide the flexibility to scale teams quickly and respond to evolving project demands. Whether supporting a short-term cloud migration or a six-month AI integration, freelance professionals allow technology companies to bring in the right expertise exactly when it is needed. This approach also gives organisations the chance to evaluate talent in real-world conditions, identifying high-performing specialists who could be converted to permanent roles if the need arises. By leveraging contingent workers in this way, businesses can maintain momentum on complex initiatives while ensuring knowledge transfer to internal teams.
3. Accessing specialised skills
AI, automation, and cloud modernisation require skills that are often hard to secure for long-term roles. Hiring contractors enables companies to tap into niche expertise for immediate impact. Machine Learning Engineers can optimise AI pipelines, Data Architects can structure complex datasets, and Cloud Engineers can migrate legacy systems efficiently. Cyber Security Specialists are also in high demand, protecting critical infrastructure and sensitive data. As AI-driven phishing, regulatory pressures, and data breaches increase, these technology jobs allow companies to implement zero-trust frameworks, identity management solutions, and real-time monitoring without delay, giving organisations access to specialised tech talent precisely when they need it.
4. Driving transformation and innovation
Contractors play a crucial role in keeping transformation projects on track, particularly when businesses face resistance to change. Their ability to integrate quickly, focus on defined deliverables, and deliver visible results can help internal teams embrace new technologies more confidently. A Cloud Infrastructure Engineer might lead a six-month migration project, while a Data Engineer restructures datasets for machine learning models. By demonstrating practical outcomes early, these specialists can reduce scepticism and show the benefits of initiatives like AI integration or cloud adoption.
Many of these professionals now operate across traditional role boundaries, with more than one distinct responsibility. As our Executive Director for APAC, Jon Loh, highlighted in a report by eFinancialCareers, “Traditional boundaries between roles are blurring. Cloud Engineers are handling backend tasks, Backend Developers are incorporating cloud and DevOps responsibilities, and Data Engineers are increasingly taking on backend work. The industry is converging toward a more unified skill set.” This adaptability is one reason technology companies are increasingly turning to freelance assignments and specialised contract roles, tapping into the expertise and credibility needed to drive successful digital transformation.