Remote work and freelancing are becoming a permanent way to earn for many. Not long before, during the mid-2000s, it was a growing trend. Noone was aware that hiring freelancers would become such a common phenomenon in the future.
According to hartford.com, 55% of small business owners in the U.S. would consider hiring remote workers in the future. Due to such factors, the number of online freelance jobs is increasing.
However, every coin has two sides. With a huge number of benefits come the disadvantages of hiring freelancers. 82% of remote employee managers are concerned about reduced employee productivity. (dailymba.com)
In this article, we shall talk about these issues and numerous ways to address them.
Too many options
Freelance websites make the process of finding a suitable asset as easy as ever. Plus, the employer can find a person that fits their budget. Hence, it saves companies a lot of money. This especially goes for startups. Yet, this is what results in too much confusion for the team leader.
One might have an array of options to choose from. It becomes difficult to make the final decision. When a job opening is posted, thousands of people might apply. This sudden influx of proposals can be quite stressful.
How to avoid this?
Thus, now the question arises how to recruit and hire great freelancers in the above-mentioned problem. To prevent any sort of complications, it is always better to do thorough research. Rather than taking abrupt actions, the person leading the team must analyze every option critically.
Some virtual job boards have an inbuilt system of checking the credibility of resumes. Their algorithms work in such a way that there is no compromise on the genuineness of portfolios. Moreover, a background check is carried out on their past work experiences.
Communication issues
Employing a freelancer has its risks. First of all, you are hiring them based on their experience and online interviews. The individual can be from any part of the world with varying time zones. Cultural and geographical differences cause communication gaps between the client and the remote worker.
A certain message is conveyed and that can be misinterpreted. Project details might not be fully comprehended by the worker. This hinders the level of understanding between the client and the freelancer.
As a consequence of this, there is a negative impact on the progress of the project. This can result in serious issues. Deadlines might not be met. Hence, the pressure on the manager as well as the freelancer increases.
How to avoid this?
It is important to be able to assess the language skills of a professional before beginning a project. The best solution would be to organize a one-to-one language assessment. This can be done in the form of an interview or a test.
However, some websites such as Gaper.io have an examination to figure out the strength of a person’s communication skills. It is an integral part of the vetting process and helps to short-list suitable development experts.
Security problems
Company files may contain private information that is confidential to the company. Engaging people who work from diverse locations can be a risk. The manager is putting their trust in someone who is a stranger.
Now, this is a tricky approach. It can cause leakage or loss of vital data. In severe situations, it might even lead to misuse of essential files. This can become very harmful, especially for smaller businesses that are in their initial stages of growth. Any project can either make or break them.
Generally, in-house companies share a set of rules and regulations. This is where the world of freelancing becomes a troublesome space for employers as well as employees.
How to avoid this?
First of all, a company must be well-versed with the principles of freelance contracts. As the online workplace transitions at a constant pace, businesses must keep themselves up-to-date with these changes.
Many youngsters opt for freelancing between jobs. Therefore, it is a necessity to sign a contract. This can protect the confidentiality of the company. It is always good to set some ground rules before starting a project.
For instance, let us take the example of tech companies. There are countless postings for freelance tech jobs, especially online jobs for beginners. Tech enterprises are always working on bringing out new projects and software in the marketplace.
Having a contract ensures safety for both parties. It also sets the tone for a more professional work environment.
Conclusion
Freelancing is providing a platform for many people to make money from the comfort of their homes. It does not mean that it requires any less effort. Infact, it demands more dedication and commitment. It is all about finding the right balance.
In the paragraphs above, we have talked about some of the difficulties related to finding the right kind of talent for your company. In the competition of freelance vs full-time salary, the former has a lot more to offer. Yet, the hiring party must take strict measures in maintaining the quality of work.