His comments followed the release of a report from Outsized showing 2024 was a “standout year” for independent professionals across the world – as freelance registrations rose on its platform.
In Australia and New Zealand, freelance registrations surged by 1228% on the platform with more businesses turning to independent professionals to bridge their skill gaps and lead critical projects.
Freelancers changing internal relations
Changing the way businesses hire employees will influence morale in the company, Cheng warned, telling HRD it “comes with the territory”.
“Say I hire you for a specific service – you’re not necessarily loyal to me anymore. This is a shift away from the psychological contract of old that you were looked after as well as employed. Now, I pay you for a service and as long as the work’s done, that’s all good.”
“Hiring a freelance professional is less about workplace culture and if they’re a good fit and more about their ability to do a certain thing. It can be damaging to those working full-time, too,” Cheng added, “because jealousies could arise, inequities could become clear when they’re tasked to work on a new and exciting project – because that’s what they’ve been employed to do.”
Source: Finding the right ‘mix’: Are businesses too dependent on freelancers?
