In decades past, most professionals were only interested in adding full-time positions to their resumes. Today, a growing number of people are seeking more flexible, part-time positions to give them more freedom in how they live their lives and manage their time.

For businesses, this increasing interest in part-time work is a win-win: You can get the highly skilled and specialized talent you need, at a fraction of the cost of a full-time employee. Whether you make a part-timer an official staff member or hire them on a freelance or contract basis, you can strategically use these employees to accomplish your business goals. Below, 15 Forbes Coaches Councilmembers explain how to do it.

1. Involve Them In The Ideation Process 

Many part-timers are looking for flexibility to pursue their own endeavors. These folks are daring and rarely take “no” for an answer. They also bring with them a variety of experience and perspective. My advice to leaders is to involve part-timers in the ideation process. These folks are out there practicing innovation and redefining the future of work. Why not tap into that knowledge base? – Indira Jerez, Indira Jerez 

2. Use Part-Timers For Special Projects While Full-Timers Focus On The Day-To-Day 

Leaders are challenged with achieving strategic priorities while running daily operations. Overcome this by utilizing part-time employees like elite special forces. While your full-time workforce is gaining ground with day-to-day operations, put your part-time employees to use taking on tactical projects. They can work more independently, yet still be effective at helping to achieve your mission. – Julianne Cenac Ph.D., The Leader Channel

3. Bring In Part-Timers When Your Internal Processes, Management And Culture Are Solid 

Leaders who have created an environment where there are strong internal processes, project management and change management cultural capabilities are the ones best positioned to take advantage of the part-time workforce. Build up internal, operational processes and declutter decision-making layers if you want to exploit the benefits of a part-time workforce. – Christie Lindor, The MECE Muse

4. Cross-Train Them To Take On And Fill In For Various Roles 

Leaders can take advantage of the part-time workforce by hiring them with the intent of cross training them for the various job roles within the company. The part-time workers can fill in as needed so that the productivity of the work is uninterrupted. This further positions the company and its leaders for continued success. – Nicole K. Webb, NK WEBB GROUP LLC

5. Help Your Full-Timers Build Leadership Skills By Managing Part-Timers 

Often, there’s a period before a company needs to hire additional employees where responsibilities expand and multiple smaller projects can emerge on the scene. Hiring part-time contractors can help existing employees grow in their management skills, prevent those same employees from being overwhelmed by smaller side projects and potentially provide a path to discovering a future full-time hire. – Billy Williams, Archegos