Companies have various options when it comes to hiring talent. While some take the “what’s in a name?” approach and classify based on their own convenience and cost considerations, the classification happens to be of great consequence to the Department of Labor. So let’s compare three common categories of workers (employees, gig workers, and independent contractors) and how to decide which arrangement applies to your workers.
Three Common Types of Workers
1. Employees: These individuals work for a company on a regular basis, usually full-time or part-time. They are typically integrated into the company’s structure and work under the direct supervision and control of the employer.
Key Characteristics:
- Receive a fixed salary or hourly wage.
- Eligible for benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
- May have taxes withheld by the employer.
- Often have a long-term commitment to the company.
When to Engage Employees:
- When the tasks require consistent, long-term presence.
- When the work is integral to the core functions of the business.
- When there’s a need for in-depth training and development.
2. Gig Workers: These workers are usually temporary and perform specific, short-term tasks or projects for a company. They are hired for a specific job or a defined period, and the relationship is often project-based.
Key Characteristics:
- Paid for completed projects or tasks.
- Typically not eligible for company benefits.
- Often manage their own taxes and work schedules.
- Offer flexibility and adaptability for short-term projects.
When to Engage Gig Workers:
- When the workload fluctuates and requires temporary assistance.
- When specialized skills are needed for specific projects.
- When the company does not need long-term commitments.
- When there’s a need for rapid scalability.
3. Independent Contractors: Self-employed individuals who provide services to a company but maintain significant control over their work. They are responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and equipment. Independent contractors (also known as freelancers, consultants, or 1099’s) have a different set of expectations than employees.
Key Characteristics:
- Usually paid based on a contract or fee arrangement.
- Not eligible for company benefits.
- Have more control over their work and schedule.
- Often use their own tools or equipment.
- They can move regularly from client to client and business to business.
- They are also responsible for reporting their own business income and paying self-employment taxes.
When to Engage Independent Contractors:
- When specialized skills or expertise are needed for a specific project.
- When flexibility is essential.
- When the work can be outsourced without compromising quality.
Take Our Self Audit
The choice between employees, gig workers, and independent contractors depends on the nature of the work, the duration of the engagement, and the company’s specific needs. It’s essential for businesses to understand these distinctions and carefully evaluate their workforce strategy to ensure they are making the right choice for each situation. It’s a deceptively complex task. It’s important to be able to classify workers accurately. The risk of facing an audit has never been greater. Take our 5-minute worker classification self-audit here (pinky promise it’s easier and faster than any government-backed audit) or contact us with any questions.
