The Benefits of Hiring Freelancers for Creative Work

Whatever industry you’re in, no doubt the past decade has brought forth some challenges and changes. Business is not what it was 10 years ago. Or even five years ago.

New technologies and social media has been the greatest influencer of this, with the concept of remote work dramatically changing the definition of the workplace. More people are working from remote offices (or home), and more people are working as consultants and freelance contractors.

For adaptable businesses, the rise of this ‘freelance economy’ has proven a major advantage. While the concept of contracting has some obvious benefits for contractors, including the freedom to work their own hours, wherever they want, with or without shoes, it also has some serious benefits for business owners.

Here are a few of the big ones:

1. Cost savings

The top of every business’ wish list. Saving money. Even though contractors may initially seem more expensive based on their hourly rates, keep in mind that:

a) They pay their own taxes

b) You don’t pay employee benefits

c) You don’t pay for their running costs or their coffee

That is a huge amount of money that ends up staying in your pocket.  In fact, it will probably add up to about 20-30% going back into your payroll.

2. Efficiency

Contractors run their own businesses, which thrive on repeat work and happy customers. They strive to turn in their best work, every time, to maintain the relationship.

While employees’ performance may have ups and downs, freelancers know the contract is always subject to renewal, so more effort gets put into quality of work and maintaining a good relationship.

3. You only pay for hours worked

The good ol’ productivity debate. How productive is Steve really, after his two paid tea breaks and paid lunch? Oh, and paid leave.

You won’t find morning tea and coffee breaks on your contractor’s invoice, which is a huge benefit to you and, again, your payroll.

4. Location – spoilt for choice

Can’t find a suitable candidate in your city?

Well, with contractors, that isn’t an issue. Getting rid of the geographical barriers opens the door to talent and skills.

5. Terms Are Clearly Laid Out

When you hire contractors, the contract that you sign clearly lays out all of the terms of the work being completed. If they do not perform as per the terms of the contract, you have the right to get rid of them immediately. With employees, it is often a grey area and can lead to lawsuits etc.

Freelancers can work on demand as needed, and businesses can pick and choose work-ready talent with specific skill sets required for speciic projects. Moreover, with payroll being a huge chunk of fixed cost for businesses, hiring freelancers lets businesses convert them into variable costs.

Despite the obvious benefits outlined above, there is always an initial risk when hiring a contractor. Will their work be the quality they claim? Will they get that work done in time? Will they be worth the money you’ll be paying them, and do they really possess all the skills they say they do?

Over the next few weeks, I will share some tips on what to look out for when engaging and hiring freelance contractors, as well as a simple three-step interview process that you can follow before signing on the dotted line.