It can be difficult for many businesses to cope during peak periods where your existing workforce will struggle to keep up with the workload. It is important to find solutions to this problem so that you can push your business forward without putting too much strain on your employees. One of the most effective solutions to this problem is to utilise freelancers which can be a smart way to manage these busy periods.
Benefits of Freelancers
Data shows that 43% of businesses use freelancers to manage during peak times and as a way of lightening the workload of existing staff. Additionally, a further 32% of businesses use freelancers to accelerate work and make sure that deadlines are met while 16% use them to inject fresh thinking into the company. There are many other perks to using freelancers, including not having to pay a salary, using them on a per-project basis and being able to find experts in their field without a long-term, permanent commitment.
UK Freelance Economy
The UK freelance economy has soared in recent times with an estimated 5 million self-employed workers in the UK in 2018 and the figure is expected to continue to rise as there are many advantages for freelancers. From a freelancer’s point of view, there are many perks to this type of employment as the work is highly flexible, you are in control of your own schedule and you are not tied to one organisation.
Reliability
Of course, from a business standpoint, it is important that you take the time to find reliable freelancers that will fit in seamlessly and maintain a high standard of work. This can be challenging and there may need to be a thorough screening process in place but the same data showed that 64% of businesses found freelancers to be reliable. The key is to find reliable freelancers and then to strike up a positive working relationship that will benefit both parties. This can be achieved through a steady stream of work, positive feedback and efficient communication.
Obstacles
There are many benefits to using freelance workers and it can be beneficial for all parties. There are obstacles, though, such as making sure that everything is above board and that you are compliant with IR35. There are new IR35 contractors legislation changes in April 2020 in a bid to clamp down on “disguised employment” so it is important that the business and freelance workers are prepared for these changes.
Using freelance workers is a smart solution to manage peak periods and to take the company forward and it is an agreement that can work well for all parties, but you must make sure that you find reliable freelancers and everything is above board in order for it to work.
