The Top 5 Challenges of Managing a Remote Contingent Workforce and How a VMS Can Help

The rise of the remote workforce has transformed how organisations operate. More companies than ever rely on contingent staff to bring flexibility, expertise, and speed to projects. However, managing a remote contingent workforce introduces unique challenges that require smart technology, robust processes, and a renewed focus on people. Vendor Management Systems (VMS) such as expressHR are increasingly recognised as essential tools for overcoming these challenges and enabling success.

1. Communication and Collaboration Barriers

Physical distance can make it difficult for remote contingent staff to stay connected with teams and management. Important updates, process changes, and company guidelines may be missed or misunderstood. This can undermine productivity and team cohesion.

2. Tracking Performance and Productivity

Measuring the output of remote workers, especially those not on a permanent contract, is complex. Without clear visibility into hours worked, tasks completed, and project milestones, management may struggle to evaluate staff performance.

expressHR provides built-in reporting and analytics that consolidate contingent staff data in one place.

3. Compliance and Security

Remote contingent workers often handle sensitive information. Organisations must maintain compliance with data protection and industry regulations. Without proper oversight, there can be risks of non-compliance, data breaches, or inconsistencies across jurisdictions.

A VMS ensures all staff are onboarded with the right documentation, access levels, and security protocols. expressHR automates compliance checks, stores digital contracts, and maintains a complete audit trail to reduce risk and protect business interests.

4. Managing Schedules and Availability

Coordinating shifts and project schedules with a dispersed workforce is difficult. Last-minute changes, absences, or time zone differences can impact project delivery and continuity.

expressHR helps managers schedule and track remote contingent workers by integrating shift planning and reminders. Its platform sends alerts, automates approvals, and updates teams in real time. Organisations benefit from increased schedule reliability and reduced confusion.

5. Cost Control and Budgeting

Contingent staff can bring unpredictability to project costs. Without a centralised approach, tracking expenses, invoices, and vendor charges becomes a manual and error-prone task.

A VMS gives leaders access to real-time budget figures, invoice submission, and approval workflows. expressHR’s financial dashboards help companies monitor spend, analyse cost trends, and keep remote workforce management within financial targets.

The expressHR Advantage in Remote Workforce Management

Modern remote workforce trends require solutions that are agile, transparent, and AI-driven. expressHR addresses all these needs by centralising staffing, communication, performance tracking, compliance, scheduling, and financial management.

With expressHR, organisations can automate repetitive tasks, improve data accuracy, and empower managers to oversee remote contingent staff with confidence. The platform’s intuitive design supports both strategic decision making and day-to-day efficiency.

Managing a remote contingent workforce does not have to be complicated. With the right VMS, companies transform challenges into opportunities, making remote management a pillar of growth.