in partnership with
Ravenry, an independent research firm, has conducted a study in partnership with Skills and Workforce Development Agency (SWDA) to evaluate current employer perspectives to understand how the adoption of independent work models can be scaled where companies are more adept and can be deliberate at using such models to meet their workforce needs.
The study is based on
in partnership with
0.0%
of respondents have engaged with independent talent before
Singapore has already crossed the most important threshold: employers have tried the model, lived with it, and 98.7% of adopters describe the experience as valuable. The work ahead is depth, not persuasion.
0.0%
of respondents are familiar with both terms
The bottleneck is no longer awareness. It is definitional clarity. Without a shared taxonomy, employers misalign on scope, ownership and value expectation.
0.0%
of respondents cite cost efficiency as a key motivation
66.0% also gain access to specialised expertise. Independent talent is already being used by smaller firms as a practical route to senior or specialised capabilities they could not otherwise secure.
0%
of respondents want to see case studies
Followed closely by 57.5% who prefer direct conversations with providers. Employers are not merely looking for more candidates; they are looking for confidence in the model and talents.
0.0%
of respondents plan to scale up
Nearly half the market signals positive forward trajectory; another 36% are open but uncommitted, the swing segment most responsive to ecosystem support.
Designed for HR leaders, hiring managers and founders who need a practical way to scope, source, contract, onboard, manage, and close independent talent engagements.
The Report
PDF · 6.9 MB
Format
Findings, analysis, and recommendations
Best for
Strategy, policy and senior HR audiences
What it covers
The Employer Toolkit
PDF · 5.4 MB
Format
Practical instruments and worksheets
Best for
HR leaders, hiring managers, SME founders, procurement
What it includes
Understand the opportunity in independent talent and how it supports your organisation's growth and workforce needs.
Gain insight and practical support on how to engage independent talent effectively.
Build the case and the capability to engage independent talent as a workforce strategy.
Understand the market needs to offer more refined, relevant and impactful services for employers navigating this space.
Understand the barriers, enablers, and practices shaping independent talent adoption, to inform policy and programme design.
Study period
Nov 2025 to May 2026
Field & analysis
0
Singapore-based employers surveyed
Online quantitative panel
0
In-depth qualitative interviews
1:1 and small-group conversations
0
Employer segments studied
SMEs · Startups · SG Corporates · MNCs
Singapore-based employers surveyed online (n=207) between November 2025 and May 2026, with 15 in-depth qualitative interviews across SMEs, startups, Singapore corporates and MNCs. The sample is weighted to reflect the Singapore employer landscape. Findings cite secondary stats where relevant; primary numbers are quoted with their base.
Ravenry is a market research and strategic insights company focused on helping organisations understand markets, identify opportunities and make evidence-based decisions. Its work spans market landscape studies, competitor deep dives, growth and innovation research, and strategic research across Southeast Asia and other markets.
theravenry.comThe Skills & Workforce Development Agency (SWDA), formerly Workforce Singapore, is a statutory board under the Ministry of Manpower. SWDA oversees the transformation of the local workforce and industries to support economic growth and the development of Singapore's human capital.
swda.gov.sgComplete the short form below to download the report and companion employer toolkit.
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