As more organizations depend on freelancers, contractors, and international 1099 talent to fill key skill gaps, the issue of compliance management has become a growing concern. Independently.ai and DISA Global Solutions have announced a strategic partnership that is intended to assist employers in safely increasing their independent workforce while minimizing the risk of misclassification.
The movement towards independent talent is accelerating in all industries as employers are confronted with challenges in relation to labor shortages, rising labor costs, and the need to be more agile. With over 70 million independent workers already engaged worldwide, this is the fastest-growing segment of the workforce. Most companies are still employing outdated approaches to address worker classification, compensation, and screening in different countries with divergent labor laws and tax requirements.
Misclassification is still one of the most critical risks. When a worker is mistakenly classified as an independent contractor, it may result in taxes, fines, and retroactive benefits liability, among other issues. As governments become more aggressive in enforcing compliance worldwide, it has become a strategic issue that goes beyond the HR department.
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Independently.ai was built to address this challenge directly. Its AI-driven platform evaluates independent contractor classification based on local regulations, engagement structure, role characteristics, and contract terms across more than 54 countries. The technology provides organizations with defensible, audit-ready documentation that supports compliant engagement of independent talent at scale.
DISA Global Solutions brings complementary expertise, offering background screening, drug and alcohol testing, and workforce compliance services across highly regulated industries. Through the partnership, DISA’s screening capabilities are integrated with Independently.ai’s classification and compliance intelligence, creating a more comprehensive approach to modern workforce management.
“The reality is that companies are turning to independent talent because they have to,” said Jeff Nugent, CEO at Independently.ai. “Talent shortages, payroll costs, and global competition are forcing a fundamental shift in how work gets done. But without proper classification and compliance, that flexibility comes with serious risk. Partnering with DISA allows us to deliver a more complete solution that protects companies while enabling the future of work.”
“DISA has long been committed to helping organizations maintain workforce integrity and compliance,” said Shane Solheim, SVP of Channel Partnership at DISA Global Solutions. “This partnership extends that mission into the rapidly growing independent workforce, helping employers manage risk while adapting to new talent models.”
Collectively, the goal of the companies is to offer employers a solution that is scalable and helps them hire faster, improves compliance, and builds trust, which is a step in the right direction for employers in the ever-changing world of work.
