The Netherlands now has more than 1.2 million self-employed people.
It is a large group of workers on the labor market and more and more organizations are deploying freelancers. A good working relationship between client and contractor is important for the freelancer’s success within the organization. Good commissioning practices play an important role in that.
Within the labor market, considerable research has been conducted for decades into the relationship between employer and employee (good employer practices). However, there was less attention to the relationship between client and contractor (good client practices). Research by ZiPconomy shows that 54 percent of organizations see good client practices as steering toward a good collaboration in which delivering better performance is the goal. Meanwhile 11 percent see it as a means to bind self-employed people to them or to contribute to the sustainable employability of freelancers (9 percent).
The importance of good commissioning
Good contracting is still evolving. There is no single definition of good contracting. With good contracting you can create the right employment conditions, causing cooperation with a freelancer to run smoothly. If, as an employer, you do not focus on good contracting, you shoot yourself in the foot:
Knowledge
External parties often bring specific knowledge with them that your permanent employees can learn from. Pay sufficient attention to the safeguarding and transfer of knowledge.
Branding
Are you attractive enough to talented freelancers? When freelancers are keen to collaborate again after completing the project, it only brings advantages: a shorter onboarding time and lower recruitment costs.
Costs
Look at the sustainable employability of self-employed professionals. When self-employed professionals return, you keep costs under control instead of repeatedly paying a high price because you cannot retain the right people in your organization.
How do you ensure good commissioning?
By following the points below, you as an employer can show that you are a good client:
1. A good agreement
The basis in the relationship between client and contractor is the agreement. It is important to record the mutual obligations in a logical and clear manner. What does that mean concretely? A clear description of what the assignment is, the duration of the assignment and how it should be carried out. In addition, the fee, and the notice period should also be described. Agreements about payment terms must also be recorded.
2. Create a safe environment
As an employer you are responsible for a safe working environment. Even in the office there must
safe and healthy
can be worked. Think, for example, of ergonomic office chairs and well-ventilated spaces. It is wise to ask external parties before the assignment what they need to be able to carry out their work in a good and safe way.
3. Keep an eye on the workload
A good client takes into account various factors that can potentially cause work-related stress - for both employees and self-employed contractors. High demands, an unrealistic schedule or a tight budget can cause unnecessary work-related stress. Make sure the workload is reasonable for external contractors as well.
4. Open and effective communication
It is important that your employees are involved in the organization. Also ensure a good onboarding process for independent contractors and involve them in the organization. Often freelancers are not part of the internal communication within the company. As a result, they are not always aware of the various developments within the organization, even though it is important for their work whether they are connected to the company for a longer period. Also ensure clear communication to external parties.
5. Exit management
Monitor deadlines and ensure a proper handover. Look into the possibilities of an exit interview. He or she has seen and heard a lot within the organization, also outside his or her assignment. This can be useful information to improve the work process within the organization.
