How to close the skills gap with freelancers in 2023

Companies are experiencing skills shortages and gaps.  Research conducted by McKinsey stated that 87% of organisations reporting that they either have a current skill gap or anticipate experiencing one within the next five years.

By pinpointing the where skills gaps exist in your organisation, you can start to build and create a network of freelancers that are primed and ready to fill gaps when they arise and work with your organisation in a flexible way.

Here are 4 ways to bridge the gap with freelancers;

Mind the Gap

To keep your workforce performing at its best, it’s important to identify skills gaps. This means figuring out where employees lack the knowledge or expertise needed to do their jobs well. You can do this by asking for feedback, analysing performance data, and conducting surveys. Once you’ve found the gaps, you can fill them by hiring freelancers. By addressing skills gaps, you’ll ensure that your team can keep up with the changing demands of your industry.

Create your network

Building a curated freelance talent network is crucial for any business looking to leverage the advantages of a flexible workforce. Curating a network ensures that businesses can access the trusted quality talent available, with the necessary skills and experience to meet their needs. A curated freelance talent network can be a powerful asset for any business, providing access to the skills and expertise required to stay competitive and agile in today’s fast-paced business landscape.

Hire for tasks and not roles

Hiring freelancers for tasks, rather than traditional roles, can be a game-changer for businesses. By breaking down tasks into specific projects or assignments, companies can easily leverage the specialised skills of freelancers on an on demand basis. This approach enables businesses to tap into the expertise of freelancers for specific tasks, without committing to a long-term relationship or a full-time employee. By hiring freelancers for tasks, companies can save time and money, while also accessing a wider pool of talent than they might be able to through traditional hiring methods. 

Consistently attract

Attracting and retaining top freelance talent is essential for businesses looking to build a successful and flexible workforce. To continuously attract new talent, businesses should create a strong online presence, highlighting their work culture and the benefits of working with them. Retaining talent can be achieved by maintaining open lines of communication, providing feedback, and fostering a positive work environment. Companies can also incentivise freelancers by offering perks such as referral bonuses or exclusive access to certain projects. By building relationships with freelancers and treating them as valued members of the team, businesses can build a loyal and committed talent network that can deliver high-quality work on a continuous basis.