How to Keep Your Freelancers and Contractors Happy

Companies of all sizes are now dependent on freelancers and contractors, as they can utilize the knowledge and skills of talented professionals from across the world.

Paying freelancers on a per project basis can also decrease overheads and can save the company a considerable amount of time. Of course, you will want to do everything you can to hold on to the best temporary workers. For this reason, you should learn how to keep your freelancers and contractors happy.

Also read: How Your Company Can Leverage the Gig Economy

Clear Communication

Forge great relationships with freelancers and contractors by clearly communicating your needs and expectations from the start by signing an online contract. By doing so, you will avoid confusion when it comes to a project, so everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goal, limiting mistakes.

The clearer your instructions and communications, the more likely they will accept work from your company in the future. Additionally, they will feel part of a team and more inclined to work to the best of their ability.

Pay Them Correctly and On Time

If you want to keep freelancers and contractors happy, you must aim to pay them both correctly and on time. Late payments will ultimately lead to frustrated workers, who might look for work elsewhere if it becomes a habit; it may also damage your reputation.

You should therefore ensure you never miss a payment by turning to recruitment back office solutions, which can reduce the margin of error and will ensure all your temporary workers are paid on schedule. Such a system can increase your professionalism and likelihood your freelancers will accept work from your company in the future, which can help your business to grow. It’ll also help your company’s image, making you seem trustworthy and reliable.

Also read: The Casual Workforce: How To Keep Zero-Hour Workers Coming Back

Provide Them with the Right Tools for the Job

If you want the tasks to be completed on time and to the highest standard, you must ensure your freelancers and contractors have the right tools for the job.

Not only will this ensure you receive a professional standard of work, but it will also make working life easier for the off-site workers.

Plus, if your employees don’t have the right tools for the job, the speed at which they can work can diminish, taking them longer to complete tasks which are no longer relevant (e.g. social media managers can automate social media posts, freeing up their time).

Maximize Their Skills

Freelancers and contractors will often be more than happy to tackle different tasks to help support your company. You should therefore consider utilizing their expertise to help grow your company.

Don’t be afraid to offer different tasks that complement their skillset, as they might be more than happy to take on a different task or project; they may also feel proud and trusted, improving their morale. The more work you send their way, the happier they will be.

Also read: 9 Tools For Engaging and Managing Remote Employees

Share Your Goals

Temporary workers will want to feel as if they are apart of the team, which is why you should share with them the company’s vision, goals, and processes, so everyone will be on the same page and working towards the same mission. It will make them feel as if they are part of a talented team, which can increase their attachment to your business.

Conclusion

It doesn’t take much to keep contractors and freelancers happy. You simply need to strike the right balance of all the above, which can increase morale and loyalty, whilst increasing your reputation.

So, communicate, offer support, and ensure you pay on time and you’ll forge a long-lasting, mutually-beneficial relationship with your freelance and contract staff. After all, employees are the cogs of your business; without them, you wouldn’t be where you are today.