Changes in the self-employed and interim market: what's going on?

First of all: the flexibility that many self-employed people loved so much no longer seems so obvious. With stricter regulations, the government is trying to prevent self-employed people from being used as cheap replacements for permanent staff. Think of stricter requirements around the DBA Act (Deregulation Assessment of Employment Relations) and new plans to tackle bogus self-employment. In other words: not every ZZP'er can just freelance without hassle. And that creates an interesting dynamic, because some ZZP'ers suddenly start thinking about a job as an employee (yes really, with pension accrual and all!).

Interims – professionals who often work temporarily on a project basis – are also seeing their playing field change. Interim assignments are increasingly being shortened or taxed more heavily, and not every company can or wants to continue paying the high rates. Some interims feel compelled to keep their options open, including a switch to permanent employment.

What impact does this have on the labor market?

The changes in the ZZP and interim market have direct consequences for the labor market. On the one hand, there is a group of self-employed people who are starting to feel less 'independent'. On the other hand, many companies still have a significant shortage of personnel, and especially in sectors where temporary workers were popular - such as IT, healthcare and marketing - opportunities are now emerging to attract these professionals in a new way.

The time of 'self-employed and interim workers are only in for the short job' seems to be over. More self-employed people are considering committing themselves to an organization again, provided that it offers security and has good conditions. It is as if they are a bit done with quick swipes in the dating world and are more open to a 'steady relationship'... if the conditions are good of course.

Responding smartly to the staff shortage

So, how can you as an organization benefit from this trend? Here are a few tips to retain independent talent for the long term:

1. Provides a stable environment, but not too stiff – Many ex-self-employed people like their freedom, so they offer it to a certain extent. Flexible working hours, home-working options and an open culture already help enormously to maintain the feeling of independence.
2. Focus on growth opportunities – Many self-employed people continuously invest in themselves, so if you as an employer also offer training and growth paths, you have an advantage. Show that a permanent job is not an end point, but a step towards further development.
3. Adjust the secondary employment conditions – Many self-employed people are used to arranging their own affairs (think pension, insurance), but often find it a hassle. Work on attractive employment conditions that relieve them of their worries, such as a good pension scheme, extra vacation days and insurance.
4. Emphasize the value of the team – Self-employed people are often solo specialists, but sometimes miss the collaboration with a team. Show that your organization values the power of collaboration and that they are surrounded by talented colleagues.

The power of Recruitment Marketeers as a recruitment partner

Now comes the clever part: how do you really attract this new target group? That is where Recruitment Marketeers makes the difference as a recruitment partner. We specialize in creating recruitment campaigns that strike exactly the right chord with potential candidates – in this case, freelancers and interims who are doubting their self-employment.

With targeted campaigns we can present the benefits of a permanent job (think security, growth and good conditions) in an attractive way. We know exactly which channels these professionals use, from LinkedIn to specialized platforms. We also help you to employer brand to adapt to this target group: no dusty, bureaucratic image, but a modern employer that offers both security and freedom.

With a smart strategy, you can send a very specific message. Namely: 'With us, you get the best of both worlds - the security of a permanent job, with the benefits you are used to as a self-employed person.'

Ready for a new 'permanent' relationship?

With the right approach, you can offer an attractive haven to freelancers and interims who are ready for a slightly firmer commitment. So make use of smart campaigns that really appeal to this target group. Draw them in, let them taste the benefits and who knows, they might even move on to that permanent role.

Because let's face it: who doesn't want a bit of stability in these times – with the freedom to continue growing?

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