To continue serving customers well, it is important as an organization that you have the right people with specialist knowledge. But that is difficult, especially with the tight labor market. Hiring a self-employed contractor (zzp’er) can be the solution when you need extra expertise due to, for example, maternity leave.
What are the advantages of hiring a freelancer?
* Specialized knowledge. You add a specialist to your team. A freelancer can support and motivate other employees. That way you can make the team, but also the organization, grow.
* Short term.Sometimes you just need a few extra hands. With the hiring of a freelancer, you don't have to take on other people. The freelancer contributes to flexibility: he or she performs the work and leaves again when the assignment is over.
* Financial benefits.Although freelancers sometimes charge high rates, it is still more cost-effective. As a client you only pay for the hours someone actually works. That way you won't be faced with surprises.
* Less administration.You only have to pay the invoice. You also don't have to worry about certain social security contributions, health care costs, wage tax or employee insurances.
What should you, as a client, pay attention to?
The hiring of freelancers is human work. It is important that you find a freelancer who fits within the team and the organization. Only then can he or she make a valuable contribution. We give you a number of practical tips for a successful deployment of a freelancer.
1. Check independence. It is important that you always check who you hire. Is it really a self-employed entrepreneur? If, in hindsight, you did not hire a self-employed person (zzp’er), but someone who can be seen as your employee, then you can face substantial additional assessments for social insurance contributions, as well as fines from the Tax Authority and an obligation to continue paying wages during illness and vacation. Check whether the zzp’er is registered with the Chamber of Commerce and has a VAT number. And check whether sufficient taxes and contributions are being paid.
2.Use a model agreement for freelancers. Since 2016 the Deregulation of Assessment of Employment Relationships Act (Wet DBA) has applied to the hiring of self-employed contractors (zzp’ers). Under the Wet DBA both the client and the contractor are responsible for making arrangements about the employment relationship. It is therefore important to establish that the relationship is with a self-employed contractor (zzp’er), and not an employment contract. You do not have to draw up a model agreement yourself. You can use one approved by the Tax and Customs Administration model agreement use with contractual terms so that there is no question of an employment relationship. Record all agreements clearly. This prevents misunderstandings and disputes afterwards.
3.Liability. When hiring a freelancer, you as the client remain liable for the quality of the work and any damage that may result from it. It is important to make clear arrangements about liability and the accompanying insurance.
4.ActivitiesMake sure that the work the freelancer performs is clearly described in the agreement, and that clear arrangements have been made about the content, duration and the rate of the work. Does the freelancer have access to confidential information from your company? If so, it's useful to make good agreements about confidentiality and the use of that information.
5.Collaboration. Communication is the most important element in the collaboration with a freelancer. You hire a freelancer for his or her expertise. Let them know what the expectations are, formulate clear goals. Make clear agreements about communication and the way you work together. Work together from an equal partnership.
6. Feedback. Give timely feedback on the freelancer's work. That way he or she can adjust immediately. You also make sure that the work meets your wishes and expectations. Also show appreciation for the work delivered.
