Credentialing (in gig economy): Verification of a worker’s skills, work experience, and education.
Credentialing
The verification of a worker’s skills, work experience, and education, ensuring that hired gig workers meet necessary standards. In the gig economy, effective credentialing maintains quality and reliability in your contingent workforce.
What is Credentialing
It is a comprehensive process that involves evaluating and verifying a worker’s qualifications before they are onboarded to a gig. It encompasses several elements such as assessing specific skills relevant to the job at hand. For instance, when hiring a freelance graphic designer, a company may review the designer’s portfolio, contact former employers, and confirm their educational credentials. This process ensures that you engage individuals who truly possess the qualifications they claim.
Credentialing can also involve background checks, certifications, and licenses depending on the industry. For example, in health care, providers must demonstrate they meet rigorous standards to ensure patient safety.
It’s essential to note that credentialing does not include a simple review of resumes. Merely scanning a CV for impressive bullet points falls short of the rigorous investigation required. In the gig economy, where flexibility and immediate availability are critical, having a solid credentialing process safeguards your organization against potential risks and liabilities.
Organizations typically use software solutions to streamline the process. These tools can automate background checks, manage documentation, and integrate verification steps which saves time and eases administrative burdens.
You should still ensure that these solutions comply with legal and ethical standards. On the other hand, neglecting the credentialing process can lead to significant risks, such as hiring unqualified or unreliable workers, which, in turn, can frustrate clients and impact business reputation. In a nutshell, credentialing is not merely a checkbox exercise; it’s a vital strategy for maintaining quality control and optimizing your gig workforce.
Credentialing: Best Practices
Implement specific checks for verification to ensure accuracy and legitimacy of information provided by workers. Conduct regular updates to credentials, especially for roles requiring ongoing certifications or skills. Use technology to streamline the credentialing process, making it efficient and transparent for all parties involved.
Credentialing: Common Pitfalls
Skipping background checks can lead to hiring unsuitable or untrustworthy individuals. Relying solely on self-reported qualifications from the gig worker without verification may result in gaps in skills and experience. Failing to update credentials on a regular basis can leave your workforce outdated and unqualified for the tasks at hand.
How we can help
Our modern workforce management app supports extensive worker profiles and work history logs, ensuring your contingent workforce is only offered tasks that match their skills.
With Zelos Team Management, you can keep track of your contingent workforce skills while keeping user data private and secure. You’re invited to explore our app by signing up for a free account!