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Freelance employees are becoming increasingly popular among companies of all sizes and industries. They offer a cost-effective solution for businesses that need specialized skills for specific projects without the long-term commitment of a full-time employee.

However, managing and supporting freelance employees can be challenging, especially if they work remotely or on a project-by-project basis. This article will explore key ways to manage and support freelance employees that work for you.

Establish Clear Expectations

One of the most important things you can do to manage freelance employees effectively is to establish clear expectations from the outset. This includes everything from project timelines and deliverables to communication preferences and payment terms.

“It is also essential to outline your company’s goals and objectives for the project, as well as any relevant industry standards or best practices that the freelancer should know,” shares Patricio Paucar, Co-Founder and Chief Customer Officer of Navi. “Creating a detailed project brief that outlines these expectations and provides a clear overview of the project can be a valuable tool for you and the freelancer.”

This document should be shared with the freelancer before they begin work and revisited throughout the project to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Communicate Effectively

Effective communication is essential when managing freelance employees. Unlike full-time employees, freelancers may not be physically present in your office, making it more difficult to keep in touch and stay updated on their progress.

“When communicating with freelance employees, it is important to be clear and concise in your messages,” explains Andy Khubani, CEO of Copper Fit. “Provide specific feedback on their work and be transparent about any issues or concerns that arise. It can also be helpful to schedule regular check-ins, such as weekly or biweekly meetings, to discuss progress and address any questions or concerns.”

Remember to establish regular communication channels and set expectations around response times. Freelancers appreciate the effort, and everyone wins.

Provide Resources and Support

Freelance employees may not have access to the same resources and support as full-time employees, making it more difficult for them to do their job effectively. As a manager, you are responsible for ensuring that your freelance employees have everything they need to succeed.

“This may include access to relevant software or tools, as well as training or onboarding materials to help them get up to speed on the project,” says Justin Soleimani, Co-Founder of Tumble. “You may also want to provide resources such as style guides or brand guidelines to ensure that the freelancer’s work is aligned with your company’s standards.”

In addition, it is important to provide support and guidance throughout the project. This may include answering questions, providing feedback, and offering suggestions for improvement. By providing the resources and support necessary for success, you can ensure that your freelance employees can deliver high-quality work on time and on-budget.

Establish a Positive Relationship

Additionally, it is important to establish a positive relationship with your freelance employees. This can help build trust and ensure they are motivated to do their best work.

“This may include offering feedback and constructive criticism in a positive and supportive manner, as well as acknowledging their successes and accomplishments,” shares Ryan Rottman, Co-Founder and CEO of OSDB. “It can also be helpful to establish a rapport with your freelancers by getting to know them personally, such as by asking about their hobbies or interests.”

You can establish a positive relationship by treating your freelance employees with respect, recognizing their contributions, and showing appreciation for their work. All the rules of great management also apply to working with freelancers.

Set Realistic Deadlines and Milestones

One of the biggest challenges when working with freelance employees is ensuring that they can meet project deadlines. To avoid potential delays or missed deadlines, it is important to set realistic deadlines and milestones for each stage of the project. This will help the freelancer to prioritize their workload and stay on track.

“When setting deadlines, consider the scope and complexity of the project, as well as the freelancer’s availability and workload,” advises Max Schwartzapfel, CMO of Fighting For You New York. “Be sure to communicate these deadlines clearly and follow up regularly to ensure the project progresses as planned. Not all freelancers will have the same work capacity, so be ready to adjust deadlines within a reasonable timeframe in some cases.”

On the other hand, some deadlines are non-negotiable and require quick work from your freelancers. If they’re not up to the task, find someone who is.

Provide Constructive Feedback

Providing constructive feedback is essential when managing freelance employees. This feedback should be specific, actionable, and focused on improving the quality of the freelancer’s work. It should also be delivered in a supportive and constructive manner, emphasizing collaboration and improvement.

“When providing feedback, focus on the freelancer’s strengths as well as areas where they can improve,” says Andrew Chen, Chief Product Officer of Videeo. “Provide specific examples and suggestions for improvement, and be open to feedback and questions from the freelancer. Freelancers don’t have as much insight into the inner workings of your business, so it’s your job to provide them with that insider knowledge and help them thrive.”

Managing freelancers will take a bit of hand-holding early on, so patience is a virtue here. Before long, they will learn the ropes and become a valued part of the team.

Be Flexible and Adaptable

Finally, it is important to be flexible and adaptable when working with freelance employees. Freelancers may have other clients or projects that require their attention, and their availability may vary from week to week.

“As a manager, it is important to be understanding of these factors and to be flexible in your approach to managing the project,” Susan Kim Shaffer, President and Co-Founder of Pneuma Nitric Oxide explains. “This may include adjusting project timelines or deadlines to accommodate changes in the freelancer’s availability or being open to alternative solutions or approaches to the project.”

By being flexible and adaptable, you can ensure that the project stays on track and that the freelancer feels supported and valued. Freelancers are masters of flexibility and adaptation, so learn to work with them, and you will both benefit from this approach.

Communicate Regularly and Clearly

Regular and clear communication is essential for managing freelance employees. This includes setting clear expectations from the outset, providing regular updates on project progress, and being available to answer any questions or concerns the freelancer may have.

“Establish clear lines of communication sooner than later and set a strong precedent from the beginning,” advises Shaun Hinklein, Head of SEO at Ramp, a company that specializes in business credit cards. “Don’t be ambiguous about your preferred method of communication and the frequency of communication. This can help ensure that you and the freelancer are on the same page and that there are no misunderstandings or miscommunications.”

Poor communication has been the downfall of many projects, so don’t let this happen to you! Freelancers work best with constant communication, even if it initially seems overbearing.

Offer Necessary Software

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For freelance employees to do their best work, they need access to the software that supports their work. This should include all the tools required for the project and access to relevant documents or information related to the project.

“It is important to provide these resources in a timely manner and to ensure that the freelancer has everything they need to complete the project successfully,” says Kim Walls, CEO and Co-Founder of Furtuna Skin. “This can help avoid delays or mistakes resulting from a lack of resources or information. Every freelancer comes from a different place, so be prepared to offer guidance along the way.”

Since most software is accessible via cloud services, getting new freelancers on board is easier than ever. Just be aware of any costs and onboarding requirements that might come into play.

Build a Positive Relationship

Building a positive relationship with your freelance employees is important for ensuring their ongoing commitment to the project and your company. This includes showing appreciation for their work, being responsive to their questions and concerns, and treating them respectfully and professionally.

“One way to build a positive relationship with freelance employees is to maintain a friendly and supportive tone in your communication with them,” suggests Cody Candee, Founder and CEO of Bounce. “This can help establish a sense of trust and collaboration, which can, in turn, improve the quality of their work and their overall commitment to the project.”

Treat each freelancer like a respected part of the team, and that will pay dividends in current and future projects. You never know when a freelancer might become a full-time employee or even help in your entrepreneurial efforts.

Optimize Freelancer Management at Work

In conclusion, managing and supporting freelance employees requires a unique set of skills and strategies.

By communicating regularly and clearly, providing the necessary resources, and building a positive relationship with your freelancers, you can ensure that your project is a success and that your freelancers feel valued and supported.

These tips, combined with the previous ones, can help you build a strong and effective team of freelance employees to help your company achieve its goals and objectives.