How to incorporate freelance and contract workers into your workforce

Freelance and contract workers are more common today as the landscape of the job market changes.

This change comes with the rise of the Gig Economy and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with employees moving away from traditional career paths and a rising preference for flexible work models. Additionally, this trend has grown due to an evolving economic climate and technological advancements.

To stay competitive and efficient, you need to embrace these shifts in the market.

Background: the shift toward freelance and contract work

1. How work arrangements have shifted

One of the main reasons there’s been a shift toward flexible work models is due to new technologies available for organizations that help manage remote employees and projects. Another reason is worker preferences leaning toward autonomy and flexibility, which contract work offers. Contractors can choose projects that match their skillsets and interests.

This workforce model benefits employers and contractors by promoting efficient and tailored project completion.

2. Why there’s been an increase in freelance and contract work

Economic shifts and flexible work models have led organizations to find different staffing solutions outside permanent hires. A turbulent economy and talent shortages forced businesses to use contractors to complete their projects.

For contractors, wanting flexible work arrangements coupled with market changes played a significant role in the switch to freelance work.

How to move toward working with freelance and contract workers

1. Management and coordination

Successful management and coordination plans are vital to seeing the full potential of contract employees.

Collaboration tools and project management software allow businesses to develop strong workflows and increase communication that keeps projects moving on pace.

Defining clear roles and responsibilities can help you manage a contract team seamlessly by ensuring employees understand their contributions to projects.

2. Always provide quality and consistency

You need to ensure that the quality of work you receive back is consistent throughout the project. To keep track of this, set clear expectations early in the project and schedule regular check-ins to ensure contractors understand what is needed for the project to succeed.

If you want consistent results, consistent feedback is key.

3. Legal and compliance setbacks

When hiring a freelance or contract worker, you need to be up to date with employment laws to avoid any issues and ensure your organization is compliant.

You may face legal challenges employing a contractor, such as failing to understand contracts, taxes, and regulations. Additionally, expect to address the lack of benefits that come with hiring freelance employees.

4. Fostering trust

Often, contract and freelance workers join an already established team. It’s important to cultivate a team culture that includes them. The main way to build this type of culture is by fostering an environment of open and consistent communication and appreciation with employees.

Specifically for contract workers, you need to create opportunities for them to share their ideas and work with your permanent employees. Promoting this type of collaboration cultivates belonging and improves your entire team’s performance.

Encouraging an office culture like this promotes trust and loyalty among your employees, resulting in a positive team dynamic.

5. Implementing the right technology

Using the right technology can help streamline processes and boost productivity among contractors. Specific technologies, like project management and communication tools, allow businesses to see project progression, enhance collaboration, and optimize workflows to ensure successful projects results.

6. Practicing clear processes

To ensure smooth operations at your organization, you need to have customary operating processes for hiring, onboarding, and managing contractors. This will give your contractors a seamless integration with your permanent teams.

Additionally, these processes will boost collaboration and cultivate a positive workplace for contractors and permanent employees.

7. Opportunities for learning and development

Offering training programs for contractors is essential to maintaining their skill sets and being relevant in an ever-changing market. Providing learning opportunities to contractors empowers them to stay up to date on their skills as the industry changes.

The perks of hiring freelance and contract workers

1. Cost-effectiveness

Contractors are a cost-effective hiring option for businesses. It reduces overhead and operational costs by saving money associated with office space, health insurance, and additional employee benefits.

2. Expanded specialized talent pool

When hiring on a contract basis, employers have access to a larger talent pool with candidates who have a specialized skill set. You can hire this talent for specific projects without the long-term commitment of a permanent employee.

3. Increased flexibility and productivity

Contractors give you the flexibility to adapt to changing market demands, like adding or reducing your headcount.

Also, contractors are more productive. Since they aren’t confined to the strict structures in 9-5 work models, they drive more efficiency and innovation to your projects.

Hiring freelance and contract workers

Implementing a plan to manage and include contractors in your organization can help you stay ahead of the curve.

By welcoming the shift toward contract work, you can take advantage of their niche skill sets and ensure positive project outcomes.

Now that you’ve learned more about how to bring freelance and contract workers onto your teams, it’s time to start finding them – and Addison Group can help. We focus on quality, not quotas. This means we match you with contractors who have the skill set you need to get your projects across the finish line. Let’s talk.