The gig economy has transformed the landscape of work, empowering countless professionals to become freelancers. The allure of this shift lies in the increased freedom and control it offers, allowing individuals to create their schedules and act as their own bosses. This transformation is so significant that even corporate giants like Google have started to employ more freelancers than traditional salaried workers. In fact, in 2022, approximately 36 percent of the American workforce embraced the role of independent contractors, as per research by Statista.
And it’s no surprise, considering how much work is now considered freelance, and the surplus of jobs that can be done on a contract basis. Freelance work spans a wide spectrum of professions and industries, offering opportunities for a diverse range of skills and talents. Creative fields like graphic design, writing, and photography often see freelancers providing their expertise on a project-by-project basis. In the tech world, freelance opportunities can be found in web development, software programming, and IT consulting. Consulting and coaching services, such as business strategy and life coaching, are also frequently offered on a freelance basis. Additionally, professions like marketing, content creation, and social media management have embraced freelancers to meet evolving digital demands. Many administrative and support roles, including virtual assistants and data entry specialists, can also be effectively managed by freelancers. The gig economy’s flexibility extends to industries such as education, with online tutoring and course development, as well as healthcare, with telemedicine and medical transcription. In essence, freelance work is remarkably versatile, accommodating a broad array of skills, making it accessible to a wide range of professionals seeking flexibility and independence in their careers.
However, as leaders, adapting to the nuances of managing freelancers can be challenging. Historically, leadership was associated with overseeing in-house employees who shared a deep understanding of the company’s values, mission, and their specific roles. Freelancers, on the other hand, introduce an entirely different management dynamic. While there are benefits to hiring freelancers, such as reduced labor costs and more flexibility, leaders often find themselves in uncharted territory. Managing freelancers requires leading individuals who may be unfamiliar with the company and its culture. Moreover, vetting freelancers is typically less rigorous than the process for full-time employees, leading to the risk of hiring the wrong fit for your organization.
But the challenges associated with freelancers can be mitigated with the right approach. In fact, freelancers can play a pivotal role in streamlining processes and bridging talent gaps on short notice. The key to success lies in effectively managing these freelancers. Below, we present a set of strategies to help leaders master the art of leadership in an increasingly gig economy:
Planning
- Planning is a cornerstone of effective freelance management.
- Freelancers require intensive training and onboarding, given their fresh entry into your company.
- Develop detailed project roadmaps, setting clear expectations for check-ins, approvals, and project completion.
- Outline deliverables, timelines, and expected work quality.
Hire Smart
- Finding the right freelancers is paramount to success.
- Conduct extensive searches online and within your professional networks to identify top freelance talent.
- Consider reviews and recommendations from others who have worked with these freelancers.
- Avoid opting for the cheapest option; quality should be the priority.
- Companies specializing in freelance staffing can help filter candidates.
- Always request work samples or portfolios to ensure alignment with your company’s standards.
Provide Guidelines
- Streamline freelancers’ processes by providing comprehensive guidelines.
- Seek documentation and best practices from previous in-house employees who held similar roles.
- More parameters and clarity can be helpful, not stifling, for freelancers.
- Provide clear expectations to enhance their chances of success.
Time Tracking
- Freelancers are not salaried employees, so time tracking is crucial.
- Many freelancers already maintain time logs as part of their billing process.
- Encourage freelancers to keep detailed time logs to monitor their efforts.
Give and Receive Feedback
- Build relationships with freelancers, even if their work seems temporary.
- Be receptive to feedback on how you can assist them in performing better.
- Encourage freelancers to share their thoughts on how they can enhance their contributions to your company.
- Over time, freelancers can become an integral part of your team, producing better results.
- Treat freelancers with the same respect and consideration as full-time employees.
In a world where technology continues to facilitate the integration of remote workers, freelance and contract-based work will only become more prevalent. Having an agile workforce brings numerous benefits, with the primary one being the ability to hire precisely the talent you need when you need it. Leaders must be proficient in managing both full-time and contract-based employees, often within the same teams and on the same projects, to succeed in this evolving landscape.
As the gig economy continues to flourish, leadership practices need to adapt to these changing dynamics. By implementing the strategies outlined above, you can not only overcome the challenges of managing freelancers but also leverage their unique skills to propel your organization forward. The gig economy is here to stay, and mastering leadership in this realm is essential for future success. For more invaluable insights and expert tips, sign up today for Methods, your trusted source for leadership guidance in the modern workplace.
Sources:
https://blackbear.global/blog/15-tips-to-help-manage-your-team-of-freelancers/
https://www.thinkers360.com/tl/blog/members/leadership-in-the-gig-economy
https://www.selfleadership.com/blog/self-leadership-thriving-in-the-gig-economy
https://www.gallup.com/workplace/240929/workplace-leaders-learn-real-gig-economy.aspx
