Faced with recruitment difficulties, 57% of French companies choose to work with freelancers, according to a study reported by Les Echos. This solution is a great alternative in a context of talent shortages, but not only that. Here's why organizations should consider integrating freelancers into their operations more sustainably.
4 reasons to work with a freelancer rather than a permanent employee
Traditionally, hiring a freelancer is justified by the need to handle a peak in activity, lead a time-bound project, or gain access to expert skills outside the company’s core business.
Hiring a full-time employee, on the other hand, is a long-term commitment. It involves training and onboarding time. The goals are different. But if we look closely at key hiring stats, the landscape is shifting.
40% of permanent contracts are terminated within the first year, in a context of high worker mobility, the rise of the gig economy, and the freelance model. Working with a freelancer has now become a real alternative to permanent hiring. Here's why.
Contract with fewer risks and more flexibility
Unlike a permanent employment contract, hiring a freelancer falls under civil and commercial law, not labor law. The service agreement is freely negotiated between both parties. As a result, terms for initiating or terminating the contract are more flexible than those of a permanent contract.
Hire faster and onboard an operational collaborator
Working with a freelancer also saves time. According to APEC data, hiring a manager took 11 weeks on average in 2022.
Finding the right freelancer still takes time. You'll need to schedule a few meetings to define your needs and expectations for the project. But with less administrative formality, you’ll save time on interviews, assessments, and HR processes.
A major benefit: freelancers are immediately operational, so projects can start right away.
Tap into the freelancer’s network
Most freelancers have a broad network of other independent professionals with complementary expertise. This allows them to offer turnkey services through partnerships. You can even delegate project management to the freelancer if needed.
Work in project mode
Many companies still operate in silos, with functional and hierarchical barriers that slow down collaboration. A freelancer, without any subordination links, brings agility to teams and facilitates project-based work.
4 reasons to work with a freelancer rather than a fixed-term employee
If working with a freelancer is more flexible than a permanent contract, how does it compare to a fixed-term contract (CDD)? Even though fixed-term contracts are already agile, freelancers still have some strong advantages.
Reduce the total cost of the contract
A freelancer’s daily rate (TJM) may seem higher than a salaried worker’s. But it's better to look at the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), the full cost of a service throughout its lifecycle.
For a fixed-term employee, the TCO includes:
Recruitment costs
Indirect HR and training costs
Social contributions
Paid leave
End-of-contract indemnity (10% of gross salary)
In contrast, hiring a freelancer only involves platform fees and the daily rate. There are no hidden costs.
Build a long-term collaboration
Hiring a fixed-term employee has a legal time limit: a CDD cannot exceed 18 months. But with a freelancer, you can build a long-term relationship without legal restrictions.
Access high-level expertise
Fixed-term candidates often lack deep specialization. In contrast, top experts increasingly work independently to better capitalize on their skills.
Freelancers regularly update their knowledge and refine their practices with each project.
Work with someone highly motivated
Keeping short-term employees engaged is difficult. Freelancers, however, are driven to deliver quality results to retain clients and build a solid reputation. Even for short assignments, they stay motivated until the very end.
Why work with a freelancer rather than an agency or IT services company?
Working with a freelancer offers greater flexibility than working with an agency. You’ll have a single point of contact, and the mission can start more quickly. Freelancers often have lower rates than agencies because there are no intermediary fees. However, for large-scale projects, it may be more complex to work with a freelancer unless they are willing to act as project lead.
Conclusion
Choosing to work with a freelancer offers agility, cost control, and expertise. Whether you're looking to manage a temporary project or access niche skills, this model fits today’s market realities. At LittleBig Connection, we help you find and manage the best freelancers for your business needs. Let’s get started today.
