Many companies are attempting to cut labor costs by hiring freelance workers instead of full-time workers. This reduces the cost of benefits and eliminates the need to purchase equipment for additional employees. Freelance workers also pay their own taxes, so the cost of using a freelancer is lower than the cost of hiring an employee. As a result, the market for freelance workers is growing rapidly. If you need to cut costs or find skilled workers for a major project, consider hiring temporary workers for your business.
Elance, one of the largest online staffing platforms, reported significant growth in the first quarter of 2013. The amount of money earned by freelance workers during that quarter amounted to $60 million, an increase of 40 percent over the first quarter of 2012. The number of freelancers hired in the first quarter of 2013 was also 60 percent higher than it was in the first quarter of 2012. More than 300,000 jobs were posted on the platform during first quarter of 2013, an increase of approximately 70,000 over the fourth quarter of 2012.
The need for skilled technical workers is fueling demand for the freelance workers found on Elance and other online staffing platforms. Demand for mobile application development, Windows Azure, software language, Android, and iOS expertise has increased in 2013, paving the way for more business owners to hire temporary workers to complete coding, website design, and application development projects. Some workers even have expertise in 3D printing and other new technologies, making freelance workers an excellent resource for companies operating in emerging markets.
The increased demand for freelance workers has also made it possible for new companies to break into the online staffing market. Patrick Clark of BusinessWeek reports that Work Market recently entered the online job arena. The company is similar to Elance and Odesk in that it connects businesses with freelancers. What makes Work Market a little different is that it handles background checks and manages compliance activities for the businesses that use its service. Most of the jobs posted are in the legal and information-technology fields, so skilled freelancers who meet the stringent requirements of Work Market's clients are in demand.
The growth of the freelance market is not surprising, as using freelancers helps businesses cut costs and fill open positions with workers who have strong skills. Freelance projects also benefit workers, who have more flexibility and control over their work environment and schedule than typical employees. If you are looking for a way to augment your staff without spending thousands of dollars to recruit, screen, interview, and hire full-time employees, hiring freelance workers may be a viable alternative that can help you increase productivity.
(Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles / freedigitalphotos.net)
Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.
Register or sign in today!