Randstad: 63% of Companies Rely on Flexible Work to Recruit in AI
The Dutch temporary work group published a global study showing that 63% of organizations surveyed place flexible work models (temporary work, independent contractors, contract assignments, job sharing) at the top of their solutions to meet artificial intelligence-related skills needs. These formulas are at the core of Randstad's business.
Job Postings Requiring AI Skills Multiplied by More Than Five in One Year
Titled "Tech talent in transition: building the AI-ready workforce", the report is based on 1,100 interviews conducted in the first half of August 2026 with decision-makers from 11 countries, including France. It also draws on analysis by Randstad Market Intelligence of more than 20 million job postings and approximately 100 million candidate profiles.
According to the study, job postings requiring AI skills have been multiplied by more than five over one year. Furthermore, 55% of companies outside the technology sector are recruiting profiles available following job cuts in that sector.
The report notes that these companies offer remuneration higher than technology groups: banks pay software engineers a median bonus of 13%, while healthcare and life sciences pay up to 17% more.
According to Randstad, the main recruitment challenge now concerns AI governance and oversight. Thus, 61% of employers find it more difficult to find profiles with critical thinking and communication skills than those with purely technical competencies.
Demand for risk governance has increased by 108%, while the supply of candidates for these roles has only increased by 69%.
Digital Platforms and Gender Gap in AI Skills
To support this shift towards flexible models, 92% of organizations use digital matching platforms for recruitment, and 42% make it their primary channel. Regional proximity hubs rank first among service delivery models planned for the next two years, cited by 35% of respondents.
The study also highlights a gap between women and men: women represent 31% of professionals with emerging AI skills, compared to 36% for established technology skills. Among Generation Z women, this share drops from 37% to 32%.
"Far from replacing technology talent, AI is profoundly redefining it", Randstad states in its press release, estimating that "no single recruitment model will close this gap alone".
Present in 39 markets with approximately 38,000 employees, the group listed on Euronext Amsterdam achieved revenue of 23.1 billion euros in 2025.
