Japan, a country who traditionally practice and value lifetime employment, are gradually adapting to the concept of freelance work. According to Lancers, one of the biggest cloud-soucing platform in Japan, there is a 23% growth in the gig economy in Japan from 2015 to 2018. In 2018, having a second job which was once thought to be a rarity in Japan, are reshaping attitudes about work with a recorded number of 7 million ‘giggers’.
In our recent article in debunking the myths of contract recruitment, we explored the truths of contract jobs, and how freelancers can take advantage of their short-term projects and make the most out of them.
From an employer’s perspective, many would find that small businesses benefit most from contractors who possess the skills required for the temporary project or assignment. However, the same can also be applied to larger corporations. We explore some factors below that can help your organisation decide if contract work is suitable for you.
1. Your company functions on short-term projects
Various businesses today, especially within technology, require additional help for short-term or deadline-based projects. However, given the nature of such roles being very niche, hiring additional employees quickly may be challenging.
A contractor can provide additional help to complete projects without over-working or requiring overtime from the organisation's employees. In most cases, contractors have the skills needed to complete the project and require minimal training.
2. You require short turn-around time to replace vacancies
It is common for many workers to take time off due to family matters such as maternal, paternal, or even parental leave. With the ongoing pandemic, companies are also offering caregiver leave for those who might need assistance in caregiving for the elderly.
As such, if an employee requires time off for several weeks or months, a contractor can perform the majority of the absent employee's tasks. Organisations can use the services of a staffing agency’s like us, as we’re also able to supply a contract employee within 38 minutes, with all the required skills for the job, whilst handling issues such as payroll and visa requirements. When the absent employee returns, there are no stipulations to maintain the contract employee.
As a result, contract workers provide you with instant impact as they have a clear goal for what they are here for and execute on the actions needed for a project straight away.
3. Your company prefers to assess a candidate on the job
While businesses may need an extra pair of hands immediately, due to limited recruiting resources, they may also wish to engage use a contractor for several months to assess their skills and abilities. If the contractor performs the job responsibilities well, the employer can be confident the contract employee can be hired as a full-time employee.
4. Your company is looking to save on long-term costs
A common misconception is that contract employees can charge high hourly wages. In most cases, hourly rates are typically 20 percent to 25 percent more than the hourly wage of a regular employee, as they take on more risk. However, depending on your needs as a business and your budget, we can negotiate these rates on your behalf. Nonetheless, contract employees who offer highly specialised skills and abilities, such as technical professionals, can command high hourly wages, but this will only account to your budget in the short-term till the project ends.
5. Your company prioritise creativity and innovation
Hiring contract workers can give your company a fresh perspective on your project, and this is a crucial factor for IT companies wishing to stay competitive.
Research has proven that it just takes one outsider to completely change – for the better – the way a business operates, or the way a project should be executed productively. The more temporary contract staff you hire, the more unique perspectives you are going to get.
6. Your company embraces flexibility
Above all, perhaps the most widely acknowledged benefit is that they are flexible. Contractors allow you to respond to market needs and demands, as they happen. They are often used to working in different locations, for different personalities and for varied periods of time. In addition, hiring a contractor gives you the option of evaluating whether you have a long-term job requirement in a function.
What mix is right for your company?
Choosing whether you are going to hire a permanent employee for your company or just recruit a fixed-term contractor to help with work instead can be a difficult decision. Everyone’s situation will be different but have a think about the duration of the jobs scope, objectives of a particular project, scalability of workloads and development of your people before concluding.
Contractors, freelancers, and temporary workers alike are a useful solution for employers looking to successfully navigate periods of transition or steer a business in a new direction. You may have a big project coming up for which you will require an extra pair of hands, or maybe a key member of your team has gone on medical or vacation leave. Understanding this, consolidating your job specifications around your revised requirements, and forming expectations is key.
With that said, permanent and contract staff require different hiring processes, so if you need help with this aspect, or require tips on how to strategise your hiring frameworks, be sure to reach out to us via the form below.
