Freelancers and Cultural Differences

Freelancers and Cultural Differences

If you want your business to succeed, then diversity is something that you have to prioritize. Not only does diversity promote a culture of openness, but it also ensures that you have teams of people who think differently, encouraging a steady stream of fresh ideas. In fact, Boston Consulting Group’s study on diversity in the US found that businesses with an “above-average diversity” on their teams report 19% more revenues and innovative products than those who score lower on diversity.

So, how do you create a diverse workplace? There are several options you can go with, such as conducting blind interviews and implementing culturally sensitive policies. However, another option you can take is to hire freelancers.

Diversity in freelancing

The freelancing market is so big that you can hire people from anywhere in the world, and regardless of their background and demographic. For example, you can hire seniors with a sharp mind, people with disabilities with bright ideas, or people of different cultures with new perspectives. “Adding in the perspectives of people from around the world teaches me how to be productive on a whole new level,” says Paul Estes, leader of Microsoft’s Gig Economy freelance program.

If you’re worried about the quality of the freelancers you hire, don’t be. We once invited serial entrepreneur Nathan Hirsch for an interview, where he talked about his online freelancer marketplace “FreeUp.” He attests that all the listed talent on the platform have already been vetted for skill, attitude, and communication. Other freelancer hiring marketplaces like Upwork and Toptal also have similar standards.

How to attract (and keep) freelancers?

Give them a competitive salary

One of the biggest factors that make any professional choose an opening is the job’s offered salary. This is the same for freelancers. In Indian freelance writer Chhavi Agarwal’s blog post, she shares that, no matter how hard things get, she would never accept a lower-paying job. Instead, she spends time looking for a generous client that recognizes the value of her work. Therefore, if you want to attract the best freelancers on the market, start by giving them a competitive salary.

Onboard them properly

Freelance positions may be temporary, but you have to treat them as part of your overall workflow. This starts with a thorough onboarding process—much like you would provide a full-time employee. A post by Verizon Connect about the gig economy in the UK found that a lack of proper integration can impact the freelancers’ performance in the long run, as it causes a lot of misunderstanding. Not only does this lower their morale, but it can also reduce customer satisfaction. Don’t just give them a handbook; do a call and explain everything personally.

Offer them similar benefits

No laws mandate a company has to give freelancers anything aside from a salary. This is true across the world. However, an article on utilizing the gig economy from Entrepreneur states that you’ll find that offering benefits alongside that can convince them to work with you long-term. Covering their insurance, for instance, shows that you care about their health. If they’re contracted to stay with you for at least a year, then things like a holiday bonus will make them happy. Or, if the company is offering training and seminars, extend the offer to your freelancers.

Diversity is an important part of any successful workspace, and freelancers can help you achieve this. Just remember to treat them like full-time employees despite their contracted stay.

Freelancers and Cultural Differences on Culture Matters

Submitted by writer Becca Tristan | For culturematters.com

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