RGP launches digital platform for professional gig workers

RGP, a global management consulting firm, has launched HUGO by RGP, a new digital staffing platform.

The key differentiator for the HUGO platform is that its talent pool will be composed of W-2 employees of RGP.

That means HUGO professionals retain the greater freedom and flexibility of the gig economy while receiving the benefits of traditional employment, including earned paid time off, healthcare coverage, and training and development.

Employer-clients, meanwhile, will be able to staff their projects with a curated pool of accounting and finance consultants while relieving themselves of the burdens of HR, payroll, and tax requirements.

“With in-demand skill sets growing faster than employers can keep pace, many of our clients are looking to ‘rent’ talent to fill those skills gaps,” said Kate Duchene, CEO of RGP. “At the same time, business leaders shouldn’t have to choose between speed and fit. HUGO delivers both as well as transparency and choice to help companies meet their immediate short-term needs in this rapidly evolving ‘Now of Work’ environment—the right candidate, the right skills, the right time, and the right rate.”

The HUGO platform boasts fully-automated workflows across hiring, onboarding, time reporting, and billing, as well as full visibility into candidate credentials, experience, and rates. It will initially be available to accounting and finance professionals in the New York Tristate region and will eventually expand to other regions and specializations.

“HUGO represents the next digital evolution of RGP’s agile business model by matching borderless talent with borderless business needs,” said Stephen DelVecchia, leader of the new business. “HUGO’s professionals are all W-2 employees of RGP, creating a workplace environment that embraces flexibility, collaboration, and human connection, while promoting a sense of community and belonging.”

Based in Irvine, CA, RGP offers consulting services across strategy and transformation, human capital, finance and accounting, risk and compliance, and technology and digital. The firm has more than 5,000 employees globally and works with 85% of the Fortune 100.

Several consultancies have launched their own gig work platforms, including PwC’s Talent Exchange, which was unveiled in 2016. Popular independent digital platforms for consultants include Comatch, which was launched by McKinsey alumni, and Talmix (formerly MBA & Company).