By Cambridge Who’s Who Contributing Author Jenny MacKay

In tough economic times, streamlining a business is a cruel necessity. This could mean carving out departments and letting employees go, which often places new burdens on the remaining staff as essential projects get shuffled elsewhere. The result could be an overworked and disgruntled workforce where creativity and enthusiasm are squelched under the weight of the daily grind.

Freelance help could remedy this situation. In many industries, freelancers have always been a mainstay to doing business. But when layoff rates are high, talented and skilled professionals in every industry can find themselves in a position to become self-employed. There is no time like the present to tap into this freelance pool to supplement and enhance your operations.

What Is a Freelance Worker and Why Hire One?

Freelancers are self-employed individuals who provide services on a per-project basis. They work as independent contractors and, traditionally, have been most common in creative industries such as writing and photography. These days, freelancers abound in other occupations, too – web design, computer programming and graphic art are a few fields that have become freelance dominated in recent years.

The benefits of hiring freelancers are numerous. As a freelancer’s client, you pay only for the specific job you need done and are not responsible for benefits, Social Security, Medicare or workers’ comp. Freelancers usually own their equipment and software and work remotely, eliminating your need to provide office space and the technology needed to complete an assignment. A freelancer becomes a satellite employee for the duration of a project. It can be a very flexible and convenient relationship.

Another benefit of hiring freelancers is their enthusiasm. They typically work hard to please their clients and hold themselves accountable for the quality and timeliness of their work. As specialists in their fields, freelancers can also bring in new vision and expertise.

Will My Company Benefit from Freelance Help?

Almost any industry could potentially benefit from relinquishing tasks to freelancers. If you recently have had to downsize your business, it may be worthwhile to consider freelance help to fill in the gaps. If you have been putting off a project or company goal because you feel that there is no one on your staff who has the time or experience; and you do not have the resources to hire a regular employee, a freelancer may be a very good option.

Ask colleagues, fellow business owners and your own staff for suggestions of people who may be interested in a freelance opportunity with your company. If you recently had to lay off someone or may do so in the near future, this individual may be amenable to a freelance relationship. You can also search for freelancers through the same channels you would use to fill any new position in your company. Just be sure to mention that this will be a contract job.

Hiring Freelancers

Professional freelancers should be able to provide references of current and former clients. Also, ask to see portfolios or samples of their work, or ask if they will take tests that demonstrate their skills (freelance editors, proofreaders and transcriptionists expect such tests as a reasonable part of a client’s consideration process).

Once you have chosen a freelancer, you will need to negotiate a contract that outlines the specific job duties, payment (hourly or flat fee), job duration and quality parameters. Confidentiality, non-disclosure and non-compete clauses are other protections often written into a contract to prohibit freelancers from revealing company data or taking business away from the company. It is wise to seek legal counsel when drawing up and negotiating a freelance contract. This will eliminate many of the concerns and uncertainties employers often have about hiring freelancers.

Freelancers and businesses can form mutually beneficial relationships, and the advent of telecommuting technology makes this a more viable option than ever before. If you are a business owner, now may be the time to consider working with freelancers.