A personal experience: Freelancer Management

Over the past three years, one of the most challenging tasks in my role has been managing freelancers. Coordinating the efforts of over 50 contractors, each with unique schedules, priorities, and work habits, has been a journey filled with both obstacles and growth.

The Freelancer Conundrum

Freelancers naturally value flexibility and autonomy. While this independence has its benefits, it can complicate timely task completion, affecting project deliverables. In addition to tracking their progress, we also need to manage their payments and coordinate their work with other team experts.

Unlike full-time employees, freelancers are not bound by strict contracts. The absence of a traditional employment structure allows them to leave whenever they choose, often leaving us scrambling to find replacements.

Freelancers tend to take on more tasks than they can handle and frequently juggle multiple projects, with ours not always being their top priority. I’ve received numerous messages like, “Sorry, I can’t work on this anymore because of my workload. Can you reassign this to someone else?”

Finding Quality Work Amongst Many

From my experience, getting great work from freelancers is like finding gold. Out of every ten freelancers, about four will deliver excellent work, while the others might not meet the required standards. This inconsistency can be frustrating, especially when you’re on a tight deadline.

Strategies for Effective Management

To navigate these challenges, I’ve implemented a few changes in our freelancer management process:

1. Incentivize High-Quality Work: By offering bonuses and incentives for exceptional performance, I’ve observed a significant improvement in the quality of work delivered. When freelancers feel their efforts are recognized and rewarded, they are more motivated to produce their best work.
2. Buffer Timelines: Understanding that freelancer churn is inevitable, I always build buffer timelines into our project schedules. This ensures that even if a freelancer suddenly becomes unavailable, we have sufficient time to find a replacement without jeopardizing project deadlines.
3. Continuous Engagement: Keeping freelancers engaged with regular tasks helps maintain a steady workflow and reduces the likelihood of them drifting away. Periodic check-ins and assigning small, consistent tasks keep them connected and committed to our projects.
4. Regular Cadence of Checks: Establishing a regular cadence of progress checks and feedback sessions makes freelancers feel valued and part of the team. This human touch goes a long way in building loyalty and reducing turnover.

The Human Touch in Freelancer Management

Despite the challenges, the past three years have shown me that effective freelancer management is achievable with the right strategies and a personal touch. It’s not just about ensuring tasks are completed on time; it’s about building relationships and fostering a sense of belonging. By understanding and addressing freelancers’ unique needs and motivations, we can cultivate a more reliable and dedicated workforce, leading to outstanding project outcomes.