Should We Give Full-Time Freelancers a Raise? Balancing Appreciation and Budget Constraints

Should we provide an increment to full-time freelancers?

Based on your question, it seems you are considering whether or not to offer a raise or an increase in payment to freelancers who work for you full-time.

Providing an increment to full-time freelancers can be a good way to show appreciation for their consistent work and dedication. It can also serve as a motivation for them to continue producing high-quality work for your organization.

However, before making a decision, it's important to consider your budget constraints and the value that these freelancers bring to your projects.

Overall, offering an increment to full-time freelancers can be a positive step in maintaining a good working relationship and ensuring continued quality output.

Dear Colleague,

Normally, for freelancers, any increase in their professional charges is determined by the contract between the organization and such freelancers. In their case, as per my knowledge, "increment" is not a concept relevant to regular permanent employees.

However, as you mentioned, they are full-time freelancers for you. Hence, if your business leaders really want to motivate the freelancers, it is purely at your discretion to revise their professional fee upwards as per the allowed norms of your business. But you should have full control over such cost escalations so that it does not later grow into a demand.

A judicious decision needs to be made to motivate and retain the freelancers to work for you with dedication, considering the cost of living escalations. This decision may be viewed positively, but it should be made after thorough consideration by the business leaders for the long term.

Freelancers and Contractual Agreements

Freelancers are a party to a contract between the employer and themselves. The terms are decided mutually between them. There is no specific law governing this. The freelancer makes demands, and the employer agrees. If there is no agreement, there is no work.

Negotiating Emoluments

When a freelancer has worked to the satisfaction of the employer, why should they not demand an increase in their emoluments? If their services are not satisfactory, the employer will remove the freelancer. It works both ways.

Personal Experience with Freelance Charges

In my own case, with one employer, the business was down, so he requested me to reduce my charges, which I agreed to. In another case, the employer liked my work, and when I requested a hike in my charges, he gladly increased it. He even told his managers that after a long time, he got a good consultant. So, there is nothing wrong with varying the charges of a freelancer, either upward or downward.

Regards, Vibhakar Ramtirthkar, Pune.