The gig economy is emerging, which means that Human Resources professionals must learn how to manage an external workforce. Turning to contingent workers, freelancers, contract workers, etc., offers many benefits. To help people understand why they might consider hiring external workers, HR Exchange Network turned to Terkel.io and the business and HR professionals in the community to share their firsthand experience. Read their stories below:
WATCH: Building Resilience - HR Strategies for Managing an External Workforce
Relieve Stress of the Team
“Freelance or contract workers can be assigned to ensure continuity of operations during periods of high demand, such as during economic downturns or widespread layoffs.
Taking on individual tasks according to the expertise of freelance professionals reduces overall stress among the staff members responsible for the increased workload and tight deadlines, increasing employee morale and ensuring deadline delivery within comfortable parameters. The deliverables and payment structure of freelancers are more straightforward, making them easier to handle.
When businesses outsource work to qualified freelancers, they save time and money by not having to train employees in house to handle complex tasks. Freelancing provides an excellent opportunity for skilled people who excel in their fields but aren't quite ready to commit to a full-time position to work whenever they choose.”-Aleksandar Ginovski, Career Expert, Resume Expert, and Product Manager, Enhancv
For Swift and Agile Results
“Embracing freelance or contract workers offers the significant benefit of speed and agility. When faced with tight deadlines or transforming business needs, companies can quickly onboard contingent workers who possess the specific skills required for the task at hand.
These professionals often bring industry experience and a results-oriented mindset, allowing businesses to meet project deadlines and navigate market shifts with greater ease. The ability to swiftly assemble a team of skilled individuals when needed enhances a company's adaptability, responsiveness, and overall success.”-Span Chen, Growth Director, Notta
To Complete Project Work
“As a freelancer myself, I use freelancers in my business to help with specific tasks. Working with freelancers allows me to outsource one-off projects that don't require a long-term commitment. I can get access to high-level skills at affordable prices without having to take on the overhead and ongoing expenses of a regular employee.
This approach also helps me find the best freelancers for the job. For example, my business flourished during COVID, and I needed to hire a few writers to help me satisfy client demand. I worked with several freelancers during this time, some of whom were simply not a good fit for my clients' needs. Working with freelancers gives me more options to align their skills with business needs since I don't have long-term commitments to them.”-Alli Hill, Founder and Director, Fleurish Freelance
Get Flexibility
“As someone with extensive experience in hiring freelancers and contract workers, I can say that the #1 benefit is increased flexibility. Now, what do I mean by flexibility?
You can be upfront about the pay rate. There's hardly any negotiating with working with freelancers because if they aren't interested in the rate, then they won't contact you or apply for the position.
Unlike in-house workers, freelancers can work independently (that's probably why they do freelance). So, there's no need to hound them about deadlines or progress. Freelancers will work on their own schedule, but they'll get the job done.
There are limitless options. With freelance work, there really is no shortage. If you aren't happy with someone's work, all you have to do is pay them and move on to find someone else. This is normal in the freelance world and doesn't lead to any stigma. But, hopefully, you'll find the best freelancer on your first attempt!”-Ben McInerney, Director and Founder, Home Garden Guides
Save Money
“Hiring freelance or contract workers offer significant benefits for organizations in terms of reduced overhead costs. Freelancers and contract workers are not entitled to receive benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, or paid time off, hence saving the business significant resources.
Businesses can cut costs of office space, equipment, and supplies as freelance workers work remotely and use their own resources. This reduced overhead cost can help businesses allocate resources to other areas of the organization, such as R&D or marketing, ultimately leading to organizational growth and expansion.
For instance, a digital marketing agency can hire freelance writers to create content, cutting the overhead costs of an in-house writer, and using the saved resources to gain new clients and expand their business.”-Tarun Saha, Co-founder and CEO, StallionZo
Hire Talent Anywhere
“One significant benefit of hiring freelance or contract workers lies in the access to a larger talent pool, unconfined by geographical limitations. Unlike the traditional hiring process that often restricts companies to local talent, embracing freelancers opens up a world of possibilities.
Companies can handpick individuals with the precise skills, qualifications, and expertise they require, without compromising on quality or settling for the best candidate in their immediate vicinity. Imagine having a graphic designer in Sweden, a content writer in Australia, and a web developer in Brazil all collaborating seamlessly on your project.
The diverse perspectives and global insights brought by these professionals can propel your business to new heights. By tapping into this borderless talent pool, companies gain the ability to assemble dream teams, tailored to the specific demands of each project.”-Mark Asker, Managing Director, Air Energy Limited
Gain a Fresh Perspective
“One significant benefit of hiring freelancers is access to their vast knowledge and expertise gained from working with different organizations and industries. This exposure allows them to learn constantly, explore alternative approaches, and stay updated with industry trends.
As a result, they bring a wealth of knowledge and fresh perspectives to work. With this, they also identify innovative solutions, offer creative approaches to challenges, and share methodologies and best practices that may not have been considered previously.
For instance, we hired an SEO freelancer with B2B marketing experience and a diverse portfolio. He recommended building a backlinking strategy from reputable HR-related websites to improve our website's authority and active participation in LinkedIn groups to establish thought leadership and boost our online presence.
These tips increased traffic to our website and generated leads. By harnessing this knowledge, businesses can improve strategies, increase efficiency, and gain a competitive edge.”-Prachi Zalani, Marketing Manager, Naman Integrated Management Services Pvt. Ltd.
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