Effective Remote and Freelance Workforce Management Starts with the Right Business Management System

As part of Solutions Review’s Contributed Content Series—a collection of articles written by industry thought leaders in maturing software categories—Sanket Akerkar, the Chief Revenue Officer at Acumatica, explains why a business management system is crucial to effective remote and freelance workforce management.

It’s become increasingly evident that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered how and where we work. After the rapid transition to work-from-home, many individuals now prefer ways of working that prioritize flexibility and afford them autonomy over their schedules. 

Consequently, business owners, particularly in the small and mid-market, have adapted their hiring and staffing practices in response and used this paradigm shift to their advantage. In fact, 78 percent of companies reported they are inclined to fill staffing gaps in 2023 with freelancers—independent self-employed contractors working on specific projects and not full-time company employees. However, these companies need the right tools and technology to establish and manage processes that embrace remote and freelance workers.  

Businesses should invest in modern tools that help them adapt to and keep pace with our rapidly evolving workforce environment. One example is cloud-based business management systems. These solutions equip businesses with the tools to identify and hire freelance workers, oversee them, and conveniently and efficiently monitor their output. 

One of the many capabilities of business management systems is streamlining the hiring process of remote workers from start to finish. These systems empower and enable hiring managers, onboarding teams, and freelance workers to succeed in today’s digital work environment with end-to-end features that support: 

Hiring

Modern business management solutions come equipped with various resources that support an effective sourcing and hiring process, such as integrating with talent marketplaces and job boards to attract a wider talent pool. 

Onboarding

Once companies secure their ideal contract workers, they can leverage their business management platform to onboard and train their new freelance staff. By supporting the individual’s skills and professional development, these systems save time for existing staff and create a seamless onboarding process for new hires.

Performance monitoring

A key element in utilizing remote workers is monitoring their performance and productivity against business goals and objectives. Cloud-based solutions offer that capability by enabling goal setting, progress measurement, and feedback mechanisms. 

Collaboration

When working remotely, staff need tools that help them collaborate with other team members. Business management systems include shared workspaces, document management systems, and project management tools for seamless interdepartmental collaboration. 

Payment processing

Businesses pay and tax freelance workers differently than full-time, salaried employees. Business management solutions streamline and automate payroll processes to save time and money with simplified invoicing and payment procedures for freelance and contract workers. 

Compliance and reporting

Cloud-based ERP systems can support businesses in managing compliance with labor laws and regulations by tracking and reporting on the necessary data. This is critical for ensuring that employee management practices align with legal requirements, especially when those requirements vary by the location of remote workers. 

Cloud-based systems empower small-to-mid-sized businesses to combat labor challenges and identify skilled talent. They offer an all-in-one solution that supports decision-makers in effectively hiring and managing remote workers and, consequently, growing their business. By investing in modern technology, companies can manage the flexible work expectations that come with hiring freelance, remote, and contract employees. 

Real-World Examples 

Companies across industries face challenges in securing and managing essential workers and skilled talent, and cloud-based management solutions provide the business infrastructure they need to recruit and oversee freelance and contract workers. 

For instance, the construction industry struggles with aging talent and reduced access to full-time entry-to-mid-level employees. Firms that adopt modern business management solutions to hire contract workers can gain access to a larger labor pool and manage project teams more diligently. Successful construction companies are investing in technology to recruit and retain contract-based employees and help bridge the age gap in their staff. Utilizing modern technology also attracts younger talent and can support the industry’s longevity.  

By investing in cloud-based software, the construction industry can adopt a modern business management approach while engaging highly skilled talent. Companies can leverage these tools to connect remote employees and automate traditionally laborious and time-consuming processes, such as project and inventory management. 

Embracing the New Paradigm of Workforce Management 

The workforce has shifted in the wake of the pandemic, redefining how individuals and businesses approach employment and staffing. The allure of remote and freelance opportunities has empowered workers to seize flexible schedules and take control of their careers.  

Workers have gained new power and control over their employment and work portfolio. Forward-thinking business owners recognize the value of this trend and understand that the right business management solutions can enable organizations to address labor challenges, identify top-tier talent, and effectively manage permanent and freelance staff, all within a single platform. These tools can help companies more effectively manage the dramatic changes in their team and take advantage of the opportunities of an ever-evolving workforce.