Why Hiring Freelancers Will Help, Not Hinder, Your Startup in 2021

The future of work is freelance, and the future is now. 

At Gebeya, we understand the importance of growing with the times and want to empower startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to do the same in order to build a winning product. Long gone are the days of working harder for less. We want you to let your guard down and adopt staffing practices that will allow you to work smarter while transforming your business and bottom line. 

Go freelance.

Thanks to COVID-19, 2020 was an unprecedented year that forced many companies across the world to change the way they conducted business. From reduced capacity to transitioning to remote operations, a year later, the shift in workforce culture has proven a new “normal” is on the horizon. And businesses throughout Africa need not be eclipsed by workforce climate change. Instead, it’s time to embrace it. 

Roughly 35% of the current workforce is made up of freelancers. Experts estimate that by 2030, this number will grow to 80%. For many, the shift from full-time to freelance is inevitable. That’s why Gebeya recently hosted the “Smart Staffing for Your Startup” webinar as part of our Smart Staffing Series, to help companies on the continent level up by hiring freelancers. 

We know startups are often in a race. Against time, competitors, and consumer interest. The urgency to obtain capital, execute an efficient product, and gain the trust of an investor or customer is a never-ending cycle. No matter the stage of your startup and product, there’s always work to be done. By staffing freelancers, you alleviate the time and cost it would take to hire a full-time team member so that you can get back to the business at hand. Acquiring expert freelancers means:

• Shorter candidate search
• Minimal training required
• Less HR management
• Lower salary cost
• Faster turnaround in hiring a new contractor

Not only do freelancers come in and immediately get to work, but they also put 20-30% revenue back into your company’s pocket. Thus, allowing you to reinvest in your startup.

Going freelance also allows you to check the current temperature of your core team and quickly address any staffing gaps or bottlenecks, so you can stay on course to market your product. Whether you need an interim senior software engineer, an entry-level graphic designer, or a mid-level accountant, contracting freelancers with the right skill set and track record can fill any (un)noticeable gaps and accelerate any task or project from inception to development.

As the premier freelance marketplace for talent in Africa, Gebeya’s mission is to connect startups and SMEs with the right experts that will meet your business’s needs at any stage. As a startup, entrepreneur, or co-founder, we know you may be at a disadvantage on where to access reliable freelancers. Establishing a relationship with marketplaces like Gebeya ensures skilled talent is properly vetted for your industry’s needs and your company’s demand. We eliminate the stressors of wading through applicant pools, help remedy any issues with acquired talent, and ease the fear of life after losing critical full-time team members. 

Entrusting responsibilities within your startup to freelancers is no easy task. But it can be rewarding when matched with the right freelance talent.