Freelancers are becoming a larger and larger part of the workforce. From 2014 to 2020, the number of freelance workers has exploded by an additional 4 million. And for good reason. Being a freelancer offers individuals the freedom to work where they want and when they want. For employers, freelancers offer flexibility as well as specific skill sets that a full-time employee may not have.
The initial question you must ask as a business owner is “what’s the job?” If you need a few marketing materials to be created, a freelancer could help you complete this job. If, however, you want to build out a national partnership strategy, that is very much within the purview of an employee. Small businesses may find that their workload is seasonal and has its peaks, but overall is manageable for their current team. Larger businesses may find that there are projects that could use a few extra hands, but overall they have all the employees they need. In both scenarios, hiring freelancers is the perfect solution.
If you haven’t exactly found yourself in a situation that called for freelancers, but are still considering it, start experimenting with small jobs as you figure out how to make it work for your business. The benefits of freelance employees are endless, and each business benefits differently.
Here are a few ways hiring freelancers can help your business:
Independence
A benefit for freelancers, and the businesses who hire them, is that they are their own boss. While a responsibility to manage the project, there is no need for someone to manage the freelancer the same way that they would manage a full-time employee. This removes things like performance reviews and career discussions.
Flexible Working Hours
Most freelancers are paid hourly or by project through invoices provided by them, making it much easier on your payroll team. In addition, there isn’t a need to monitor hours the way you would a full-time employee.
Avoid Training
Bringing on a freelancer avoids the need for any training. What makes freelance workers different from full-time employees is they are hired on to be the subject matter expert of one skill. Often things such as video editing, writing, data analytics, etc. They fill a void on a project or team and bring to the table a skill that no other employee has, leaving no need for any training.
Cut Out Long Term Costs
The biggest reason businesses consider freelancers is because they have the potential to save you money. When someone is hired as a freelance employee you are not responsible for providing benefits, no matter the amount of hours worked or the amount of time they are brought on for. Even with a high hourly rate, you may still end up saving money in the long run.
If you’re considering hiring freelancers, the HR professionals at HRO Resources can help guide you. HRO Resources specializes in outsourced HR, providing tools for benefits, insurance and payroll. Learn more today.