Over the past few years, the freelance workforce has seen explosive and exponential growth that’s nothing short of amazing. It shows no sign of stopping or slowing down anytime soon either, as the traditional work patterns of the world continue to shift. Of course, with this scale of transformation, there’s also a new wind of change in the air of industry – a re-alignment, of sorts, of engagement and relationships.
With these changes, it has become abundantly clear that enterprises must understand this new freelancer work force in order to continue healthy working relationships with them.
As a result of this rise in the industry, many freelancers now regard themselves as “entrepreneurs” and “small business owners”, which is a trend that holds true whether it involves a single independent contractor or a company that provides contract-based project management.
What does this mean? Well, it means that the freelancer work force has gone from what people might consider a “useful tool” to an invaluable B2B resource.
Nowadays B2B relationships have an expectation around visibility, control and accountability that impacts strategic planning and execution – with their foundations being built upon trust and professionalism.
This means that freelancers should never feel victimised as a result of the work or method of work they do, and that any enterprise looking into contracting a freelancer should avoid seeing these skilled experts as simple “warm bodies” that will fill in an unexpected gap.
It seems it’s time for enterprises to move workforce engagement out of departmental and operational budgets and into the strategic discussion.
A Revolution in Freelancing
In this modern world, technology pushes us ever forwards, and with this push we have seen huge developments in accessing incredible and specific talent, regardless of where the company operates from – or the currency they conduct their transactions in. Indeed, freelancers are no longer regarded as a “temporary” solution to be used only in case of emergencies, but are instead an opportunity for companies to search across all the corners of the planet for the very best workers.
The freelancer economy as it exists right now is not about accessing convenient and temporary labour – instead, these workers are independent, highly skilled and professional members of the B2B workforce.
If a company embraces these changes, you can bet that they will be able to reap the rewards of having some of the most effective and skilled workers in their force.
Today’s B2B Workforce
Now that this group of people who can call themselves their own boss has arisen, many enterprises, especially larger ones, might want to consider a hybrid workforce made up of both freelance and full-time workers.
Talented individuals want to work in places where they can show off their skills, which mean freelancers have been a popular choice with many businesses, as they allow them to achieve enviable levels of aptitude, and respond to specialist briefs that they might not have been able to achieve otherwise.
Freelancers give businesses access to skills and technology that may not have been accessible in house. What’s more is that, with all the technology available today, a business can open up a strong line of communication between the talent and the industry.
Some of the best and most skilled B2B workers are now finding that they no longer have to suffer long commutes or jobs they’re not happy with. Instead, freelancers can now set up their own small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures, and use their talents to collaborate with companies that are in need of their expertise.
A Noteworthy Transformation
The global workforce of today has now undergone a complete make-over, being transformed into something new wherein small freelancer businesses are set up to address every need on the market. Not only has the ‘freelance revolution’ changed the way that tasks are being completed, but it’s also improved the quality, availability and affordability of B2B partnerships.
Oh and by the way, just because some freelancers work from home, it doesn’t make them any less a business. Start-ups frequently begin in whatever space people have available(which is usually a room in a house like the garage or the spare room) and some of these have grown into multi-billion pound industries.
In all honesty, we’re just happy that freelancers are no longer seen as temporary employees who’re accessed in a last minute frenzy, and are instead viewed as the highly skilled group of workers that we know them to be.
If you’re a freelancer, and you need help with your finances (since you’re doubtless getting more and more popular), don’t forget that we at ICS are specialist contractor accountants. For more information about our services and to learn what we can do for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 0800 195 3750 and speak to one of our friendly team members who will be happy to help. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, so be sure to get in touch.
