Job Satisfaction Drives Quality Work: Why Companies Prefer Freelancers

In today's rapidly changing business landscape, companies are increasingly turning to freelancers as a means of accessing high-quality work and expertise. While full-time employees were once the norm, freelancers now provide companies with a flexible, cost-effective, and highly skilled workforce. Recent studies indicate that a growing number of companies are finding it more advantageous to collaborate with independent professionals for their business needs. For instance, a study by Upwork reveals that 59% of companies have used freelancers in the past year, up from 55% in the previous year. Upwork. (2020)
It's no surprise that the trend of working with independent professionals is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.

Flexibility and Adaptability

One reason for this shift is the flexibility that freelancers provide. A company can hire a freelancer on a project-by-project basis, without the overhead costs associated with hiring a full-time employee. Freelancers can be hired for specific skills, which can save companies the cost of recruiting, hiring, and training a full-time employee. Additionally, working with freelancers allows companies to access a wider range of talent than what's available in their local area. According to a survey conducted by Freelancer.com, more than half of freelancers have international clients, and more than 80% work remotely. This allows businesses to work with experts in their field, regardless of where they are located.

Furthermore, freelancers are known for their adaptability and diverse experience. Freelancers often have a variety of clients, projects, and industries they work with, which gives them a fresh perspective on problem-solving. In contrast, full-time employees may become too comfortable in their role and not be as open to new ideas and approaches.

Job Satisfaction = Higher Quality Work

When it comes to job satisfaction, there is a strong correlation between employee happiness and work quality. This is particularly true for freelancers, who have a greater sense of autonomy and control over their work. The more satisfied a freelancer is with their work, the more motivated and committed they are to producing high-quality work for their clients.

In contrast, full-time employees may feel constrained by their role and may not have the same level of job satisfaction as freelancers. Full-time employees may also feel less valued or appreciated for their contributions, which can lead to decreased motivation and lower quality work output.

A study conducted by the University of Warwick found that happy workers are 12% more productive than their unhappy counterparts. Additionally, the study found that happy workers take fewer sick days and are more likely to stay with their employer for longer periods of time. This is particularly important for freelancers, as they rely on positive reviews and repeat business to succeed in the competitive freelance market. Oswald, A. J., Proto, E., & Sgroi, D. (2015). Happiness and productivity: Understanding the happy-productive worker. Labour Economics.

When employees are satisfied with their work, they are more likely to go above and beyond in their job duties. This can lead to increased creativity and innovation, as well as improved customer satisfaction. Clients who work with satisfied freelancers are more likely to see the benefits of their work, and are therefore more likely to return for future projects. A study by the Harvard Business Review showed that freelance work provides a greater sense of autonomy and control for workers. This autonomy leads to greater job satisfaction, which ultimately results in higher quality work for the client. Moreover, freelancers are often highly motivated, as they are reliant on positive reviews and repeat business to succeed. Li, X., & Wang, D. (2019). The Rise of the Gig Economy: Implications for Entrepreneurial Ecosystems. Harvard Business Review.


Research indicates that companies are choosing to work with freelancers due to the flexibility, access to diverse talent, adaptability, job satisfaction, and motivation that freelancers offer. A study by LinkedIn found that 70% of hiring managers believe that freelance work will become the new norm in the workforce. Freelancer.com. (2021). The rise of the gig economy has created a more entrepreneurial ecosystem, where freelancers are able to market their skills and services to a broader range of clients. This has led to increased competition among freelancers, which has driven up the quality of work and created a more dynamic marketplace.

Overall, the shift towards freelancers is a win-win for both companies and workers! Companies are able to access high-quality work and expertise at a lower cost, while workers are able to enjoy greater flexibility and job satisfaction. As more companies recognize the benefits of working with freelancers, it is likely that the gig economy will continue to grow and evolve in the years to come.

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