Perspectives on the Future of Work: March 21

Upwork’s weekly column brings you the latest news on hiring and working with freelancers, freelancing, and the future of work.

Mashable | Age of the Freelancer: How a New Breed of Worker is Redefining the 9-to-5

According to entrepreneur John Rampton, two factors have driven the shift from traditional work toward the growth in freelancing:

• Technology has made virtual relationships easier
• Working with independent professionals offers “significantly more benefits” for companies and startups.

It’s a scenario Rampton describes as win-win. The freelancer is happy to have the “freedom to work with companies around the world and the opportunity to maintain a large portfolio of clients rather than pledging allegiance to just one employer,” he explained, noting that freelancers also appreciate not having to come into the office and setting their own schedules.

“In return, the entrepreneur gets access to some of the best talent available who is willing—and able—to work on demand and in line with the available budget,” he said.

For entrepreneurs, Rampton says, it’s critical to have a plan to keep talent engaged: Long-term relationships can benefit both the freelancer and the client. “Some entrepreneurs have even found talent who understands what it’s like to start a business and wear many hats, so advantageously, they are both doing the same thing.”

Consultancy.uk | Cloud can support business transformation in professional services

Businesses face fierce competition, a rapid pace of change, and an ongoing demand for transformation in their efforts to keep profit levels high. Neil Davidson, vice president of enterprise for Deltek, says implementing cloud-based infrastructure is becoming essential.

“It must be acknowledged that the cloud is a liberating force,” he said. “It allows companies to transform the way they work.”

Companies who haven’t yet made the switch need to ask tough questions to ensure moving to the cloud is actually the right move, Davidson notes. This means business should:

• Review the current state of business, including direction, finances, and growth objectives.
• Assess existing technology, especially to decide whether existing systems should be moved to the cloud or if it’s time for a new solution.
• Take a holistic approach, looking at entire processes rather than putting together a piece-meal plan.
• Pick a partner, not a vendor, if you decide to move forward with the cloud.

“Once the realm of smaller companies looking for scalability, the economies of scale, risk mitigation, financial gains and efficiency means the cloud is a focus for firms of all sizes,” Davidson said.

What changes in the way we work have caught your attention recently? Tell us about them in the comments below!

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