Ways to show appreciation for freelance employees
Hiring a freelancer has many benefits for a business especially for SMEs that have busy periods, seasonal work, and times of low productivity. Without the stability and predictability of ongoing work, it is hard to hire full time staff and be certain that you can afford their salaries in 6 months time.
Just as you might reward a full time member of staff, you can also reward freelancers and show appreciation to them for a job well done. Although it is common to express gratitude to people who contribute success to a business, the challenge relies on how to express it to people that work for you across the country, from their homes, and sometimes people that you have never met.
Send an email
Technology allows us to distribute messages in a second. There is no harm in writing a freelancer an appreciation email. To receive a positive message, or a great review, or a written reference can help the freelancers get future jobs, but they also show that you respect their work, value their time and giving people a compliment is always well received. If someone feels respected and valued, they will want to work for you again.
Invite to work-base celebration
You can invite freelancers to a company event like a year-end party or holiday celebration. This could strengthen your relationship with your freelancers and introduce them a new environment to help them expand their networks.
Send personalised gifts
Most freelancers work remotely especially now that the pandemic forces the majority of businesses to shift to a non-traditional work setting. Having said that, as a client, you can still send your appreciation to your freelancers by sending them personalised items the company offers as a reward for their hard work. Seek ways to connect to your employees not just in a professional way. Also, sending company merchandise like a mouse mat, or pen, can help remind the freelancers of the good time they had with you and want to come back.
Add bonuses
SMEs could thank freelancers by giving them bonuses when they exceed the quality of work assigned to them, or meet the deadlines set. Adding some extra cash to their income is a great way to have their efforts compensated generously.
Receiving gratuities from clients is a nice thing for a freelancer as it keeps them motivated and inspired. More so, having someone appreciate your efforts, write reviews, give references, provide bonuses, or offer public commendations can lead to more work and more opportunities.
