A new nationwide study, Workforce Reimagined: Unlocking the Power of Blended Teams, reveals that blended teams—where organizations integrate full-time employees with independent talent—are no longer a temporary fix but a key driver of long-term business success.

The research, commissioned by Lions & Tigers in partnership with Read the Room Advisors, comes at a pivotal time for the U.S. labor market. In 2025 alone, over 212,000 women, particularly mothers of young children, exited the workforce. Meanwhile, nearly 40% of U.S. workers are engaged in independent work—a figure projected to rise to 50% by 2027. As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape industries, many companies are struggling to keep pace with change and evolving skill demands.

The study, which surveyed more than 500 professionals across various sectors, revealed critical insights:

  • 97% of business leaders said losing access to blended teams would severely disrupt operations and outcomes.
  • 79% identified access to specialized, hard-to-find expertise as the top strategic benefit.
  • 86% reported faster project delivery and improved organizational agility.
  • 83% observed measurable increases in innovation and experimentation.

“To stay competitive and build the talent they need to succeed, companies must combine internal and external talent to create adaptive, future-ready teams,” said Brea Starmer, Founder & CEO of Lions & Tigers. “This isn’t simply about workforce diversity—it’s about retaining critical talent and sustaining economic growth.”

The report emphasizes that blended teams are instrumental in addressing the widening AI skills gap. As automation accelerates, women are 1.5 times more likely than men to need to transition to new roles by 2030. Blended models offer a sustainable solution—keeping women and caregivers active in the workforce while helping companies stay agile and innovative.

“The data reveals a clear evolution,” said Pam Cohen, PhD, Principal at Read the Room Advisors. “We’ve entered a new era where blended teams are not just a part of the future—they’re an accepted and indispensable aspect of the present workforce. The longer companies operate with blended teams, the more they recognize their critical value.”

The study’s takeaway is unequivocal: blended teams are not a workaround—they are a strategic necessity. They help retain caregivers in the workforce, connect businesses to highly skilled independent professionals, and equip organizations to withstand the disruption brought by AI and rapid technological change.

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