Recently oDesk announced during these hard financial times, businesses around the world are seeking new competitive advantages beyond the traditional models of employing staff in their office and going online to sought contract and remote workers.

“What matters today is talent and work ethic, not nationality or location,” said Jonathan Swanson, co-founder of Thumbtack, a marketplace for local services. “Remote work is ushering in a new working paradigm, one that is enormously more powerful and productive for employers, and more flexible and enjoyable for employees. Employers stuck in the nine-to-five model are missing out. At Thumbtack, we are scaling our business faster, more affordably, and more easily than we could have ever imagined. The talented workers that oDesk has connected us with are essential to our success.”

oDesk reported businesses like Thumbtack have been able to grow quickly and successfully through online work. “Online workers are core to small business success,” said oDesk CEO Gary Swart. “Many companies that initially used this approach to accomplish work during the economic downturn are incorporating online workers into their ongoing staffing and growth strategies. The continuing growth in demand for skilled online workers indicates a smart move by businesses -- away from the full-time employment model to a flexible, on-demand workforce.”

Online workers are also winning in this new business trend, with many reportedly finding the variety and freedom that a full-time job may not be able to accommodate.

“Online work gave me the opportunity to be financially independent,” said contractor Jenny Magno-Rubin, who works for Thumbtack as an editor. “I don’t have to choose between being a mom and being an employee. I still get to have a life and enjoy it — while having a job.”