Due to the fact that recent times have been so difficult for so many people, whether that be through the current cost of living crisis or as a result of COVID-19, flexible working is highly sought after. In such uncertain times, businesses are turning to hiring freelance and contract workers due to their flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Companies want more flexibility within their workforce. 67% of business in the UK are experiencing a shift towards increasing the proportion of contingent workers within their workforce. This is a great increase from 55% back in 2021. Surprisingly , 35% of firms are reporting that increasing numbers of their staff desire a temporary or contract position. 54% of companies claim that the pandemic challenged their views regarding flexible working and found that flexible workers may be of better value than their permanent working counterparts. Many employees across the UK believe that the cost of living crisis is making freelance work more appealing and attainable to them.
Some concerns are beginning to arise. Many people worry that there will be a lack of consistent work when freelancing, as well as fearing the uncertainty of a prompt payment. Leaving behind employment comes with leaving behind any security, but this is a risk that many people see as being justified. Many employees even fear that they will miss being part of an office environment. Working alone as a freelancer can become very lonely, especially when transitioning from working in the office. Although the office environment is loud and full of distractions, colleagues form a support system and can offer advice whenever it is required and make life at work significantly more enjoyable. Freelancers find that spending so much time alone really isn’t enjoyable. There is a serious lack of employee benefits when operating as a freelancer, taking time off to go on holiday means that you will not be paid. They also miss out on many employer benefits such as pension schemes or private healthcare.
Being your own boss is a highly desirable position to be in, freelancers get to make all of the decisions and they can operate on their own schedule. This is liberating and allows many people to flourish. Without the necessary commute to the office day in, day out, freelancers have more hours in the day to seek work and provide value to customers. They have the choice of working from home or locally in coffee shops and libraries. Employees are limited to small salary increases on a yearly basis, freelancers ultimately determine their income through the projects in which they take on. To charge more than the industry standard rates, they must establish themselves as experts in their field show prove their worth to clients.
