Freelancers are a dominant force in the world of business. They provide vital services at attractive rates, and it is therefore easy to see why companies all around the world use them as a part of their team and structure. However, there are also organic challenges that arise when it comes to managing a team of internationally spread-out freelancers that all businesses have to address in order to retain a functional structure. This guide explores five easy ways to manage a team like this.
Implement Strong Administration Strategies
Administration is a vital component of any company, but it becomes all the more important if freelancers are added into the mix. Why? Because there are lots of moving parts here that have to be brought together in order to retain a functional operation. There is no alternative approach. The admin side of things has to be properly nurtured and run by someone who understands the ins and outs of this area.
Consider a Dedicated Manager
If you are using a higher number of freelancers than your core team of salaried employees, it may be time to consider a dedicated manager to handle them. With one person in charge of the organizational side of freelancing, there is more room elsewhere to spend time on other essential tasks with the peace of mind that vital roles are being looked after successfully. This person would ensure all of the onboarding is taken care of including any contracts and detail taking that needs to happen, and that the freelancers have a point of contact to discuss work-related queries. It also means, should a problem arise with one of the team members, there will be someone to flag it and work towards a resolution.
Don’t Be Afraid of Communication
Communication is a big part of what makes a business grow. When members of the team, whether they are freelance or in-house, feel seen, heard and in the loop, there is room for stronger engagement overall. This means people are more willing to show up and fulfil their obligations, alongside understanding what is expected and when. Communication could look like a specific email address just for the freelancing department, or regular meeting style check-ins to keep track of progress and shortcomings.
Know How to Pay Them
Of course, any freelancer that provides their services for your company will expect payment. This is a given, but what are the best ways to get the job done? There are useful tools like international money transfer app platforms that facilitate this process in a straightforward, easy to absorb way and this is the best place to start. Having something like this enables better management of finances too because it breeds a transparent picture of financial incomings and outgoings that is far more accessible in terms of keeping track of the budget.
Understanding how to handle freelancer obligations is the only way to successfully keep them on the books. There has to be a strong strategy in place, especially if this is a dominant part of the workforce driving a business forward. Learn how to look after them, pay them and set expectations and everything else will fall into place.