COVID-19 has changed the way people – and businesses – work. The Government’s ‘work from home’ mandates at the peak of the pandemic transformed millions of people into virtual workers, offering a more flexible way of working that, in many cases, have proved enlightening.
Trending terms such as the “great resignation” and “freelance revolution” demonstrate changed perceptions in a post COVID-19 world. With many talented individuals not wishing to return to the grind of a traditional deskbound 9-5, more and more are choosing to embrace freelance work.
According to ipse, a not-for-profit membership organisation for the self-employed, there are now almost 2.2 million freelancers in the UK, with media occupations listed as one of the largest groups. And this number is only set to soar as technology makes it possible to work whenever, wherever.
It’s not just individuals that recognise the benefits of a more flexible approach to work.
Employers are pivoting too, realising that they no longer need to be defined by bricks and mortar and deskbound employees on permanent contracts.
And in marketing disciplines, an increasing number of brands are ditching traditional agencies in favour of more flexible and agile operations. Freelance-focused agencies are now no longer considered a unique business model. Instead, they are viewed as modern, forward-thinking and results orientated.
At Proactive Solutions, I work with a roster of skilled and vetted freelancers with whom I have formed long-term working relationships to offer a tailored B2B PR, digital and marketing service that delivers results.
Here are just a few of the benefits of ditching traditional agencies and embracing the freelance revolution:
Cost-effective
Working with freelancers is a cost-effective business model. There are no additional overheads such as National Insurance, pension payments, holiday and sick pay, work equipment, licenses for software, training and non-productive work hours. All these cost-saving measures are passed on to my clients, allowing me to offer cost-effective services without compromising on quality.
An agile way of working
Working with freelancers is far more flexible, which enables me to work with talented individuals who are perfectly suited to each specific job. Additionally, not every task requires a long-term employee. Working with freelancers allows growth and contraction when needed, enabling me to quickly bolt on new services as and when needed.
A larger talent pool
By relying on freelancers, I have a far broader talent pool to choose from – meaning I can work with the very best in their field, delivering exceptional results for my clients, wherever they are based. More traditional agencies that require staff to work from an office, or a the very least adopt a hybrid way of working, are limited to talent within a commutable distance of their offices.
Better work
I also believe freelancers offer better quality work. After all, freelancers have the freedom to cherry-pick the assignments they wish to complete and only accept work that they are truly passionate and care about. Freelancers are highly skilled in their area and usually have worked decades in their chosen field before having the necessary skills and contacts to go it alone. As a client, you’ll know you will be getting the very highest level of work carried out by a passionate creative. With more traditional agencies that rely on in-house staff, your work may be carried out by a junior employee or someone who doesn’t have the same passion as a specialist freelancer.
We can all benefit from the freelance revolution. Are you on board?