The way we work has changed beyond all recognition thanks to advances in technology and changes in working culture. More and more businesses are reliant at least in part on freelancers and contractors. The move towards a more flexible workforce has huge advantageous. Businesses can commission someone with the right skills without having to make a long-term commitment to them. This can be the perfect solution to fulfilling a particular project or increasing capacity during a busy period but getting the right people at the right time can be difficult. Skilled experienced freelancers and contractors are in high demand and many are in a position to pick and choose the work they want to take on.
One thing businesses can do to attract the right talent is to advance in the best and the most up-to-date technology. There are numerous reasons why individuals choose not to be employed, flexibility is a big draw for many and for others it is the variety and the opportunities to learn that are appealing. The opportunity to progress and work on projects or for companies that are forward thinking and up-to-date is really important. If your organisation is struggling to recruit the best freelancers then it may be worth thinking about what you can offer. Talk to contractors and freelancers in your industry; find out what appeals to them.
Remote working is another reason many people choose to freelance and having good connectivity and the right infrastructure in place to make this work is crucial. Online meeting platforms and project management software which make remote and collaborative working easier are really valuable. Using the right tools and communicating clearly and regularly will prevent freelancers getting frustrated and ultimately seeking work elsewhere.
Technology can also be used to maintain relationships between an organisation and its freelancers. Keeping track of freelancers who have previously done work for your business who you would be happy to use again and recording details of skills and experience can all help to make the process of finding the right person at the right time easier.