Many organizations use these terms interchangeably, which can lead to misunderstandings, wrong expectations and unclear agreements. Especially in a tight labor market it is important that you as a client know what you are hiring and how best to organize it.
In this blog Circle8 explains to you in detail what the differences are, including the advantages and considerations for each form of hiring.
1. Secondment: flexible, but with certainty
With secondment, a secondment agency (such as Circle8) makes a professional available to your organization. The professional is employed by the agency but works (temporarily) for your team or project.
Example: you hire a software developer through Circle8 for six months to build an application.
Advantages of secondment:
Less legal risk: the secondment agency is the formal employer
Professionals are carefully selected and often immediately deployable
Suitable for medium- and long-term projects
One fixed rate, including social charges and administration
When to choose secondment?
If you quickly need extra capacity or specific expertise without entering into a long-term employment relationship. Think of IT, HR, finance, engineering and more.
2. Temporary employment: maximum flexibility, minimal commitment
With temporary staffing the professional works through a temp agency and the contract can often be terminated at very short notice. The emphasis is on flexibility and acting quickly.
Example: you are looking immediately for a helpdesk employee for a few weeks.
Advantages of broadcasting:
Very short notice periods
No long-term commitments
Ideal for ad-hoc use or peak moments
Note: the bond between professional and client is often more fleeting. Less suitable for specialized or strategic work.
When to choose broadcasting?
For temporary peaks, sick leave cover or seasonal work. Less suitable for knowledge-intensive roles or for strengthening a team in the long term.
3. Freelance: self-employed professional with own business
A freelancer (or zzp’er) is an independent entrepreneur who carries out assignments in their own name. You enter into an agreement directly, without the involvement of an employer or agency.
Example: you hire a freelance UX designer for a redesign of your website.
Advantages of freelance deployment:
Wide choice of specialists with niche expertise
Direct contact and negotiation
Flexible in pricing, approach and duration
Note: you must, as the client, pay close attention to the rules around pseudo-self-employment (for example via the DBA Act). There is also no safety net in case of illness or absence. View about this our Wet DBA page.
When to choose freelancers?
If you need specific knowledge or a temporary skillset, and can assume the contractual, fiscal and legal responsibility yourself. Circle8 supports you in this as an intermediary partner.
4. Consultancy: strategic support by an external party
In consultancy you hire an external company or consultant for a substantive analysis, advice, or change-management approach. The consultant often works on a deliverable basis instead of billing by the hour.
Example: a consultancy firm examines your IT structure and advises on digital transformation.
Advantages of consultancy:
Strategic advice from experts
Often focused on results or solutions
Commitment at board-, management- or project level
Note: consultancy is generally more expensive than other forms of deployment and less suitable for operational work.
When to choose consultancy?
For strategic issues, transitions or if you temporarily need external brainpower at the executive level.
Comparison at a glance:
Choose consciously, work more effectively
Every form of external hiring has its own strength. Secondment offers structure and certainty, temporary staffing is perfect for quick support, freelancers bring flexibility and expertise, and consultants provide direction for major decisions.
Circle8 not only helps you find the right professional, but also the right collaboration model. That way you can be sure your organization continues to grow quickly, smartly and compliantly.
