Cut hiring costs

Strategies to reduce hiring costs!

In today’s economy, every euro counts and business leaders are forced to make tough choices. But here’s the truth: saving money doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality. In fact, it can be the spark for smarter, leaner growth — especially when it comes to hiring.

More Individuals, SMEs and startups are turning away from traditional employment models and embracing the flexibility of consultants and independent freelancers. Not just because it’s faster — though speed matters — but because it’s agile, budget-friendly, and tailored to the needs of modern teams, especially when there’s no agency in the middle, but your HR officer crafting the right contract and your IT lead guaranteeing security access and tools. Then, you gain control and visibility over your spending, allowing you to manage your project budget accordingly.

Let’s dive deeper into why companies should combine independent freelancers or consultants with permanent or fixed-term employees—because, when managed smartly, both models can strengthen each other.

Hiring full-time staff remains essential for core operations in many companies. But it also comes with long-term commitments such as fixed salaries, insurance, bonuses, pension schemes, holiday leaves, training, etc. All of these benefits come at considerable cost. Still, they have their advantages, such as keeping the teams from the start and letting them grow together, knowledge staying within the company, and processes being easier to control... well, according to some beliefs!

HR

The danger is not in hiring full-time employees. The danger is allowing comfort zone replace excellence — HR specialist

Let’s face it — not every company can afford a full-scale team. Some choose to hire fewer staff to keep costs down, but that can slow growth and put extra pressure on existing teams. Others turn to independent freelancers or consultants to stay lean without sacrificing performance. In this regard, many businesses are adopting a more strategic approach: maintaining a solid internal team while bringing in external experts when needed.

Is it a risky shortcut or a smart move? Let’s find out.

Freelancers and consultants what is the difference?

Some industries are still hesitant to collaborate with independent freelancers. What about consultants? Well, many prefer to hire consultants, as companies are familiar with them, and this name 'consultant' is even relied upon for specialised expertise.

But when it comes to independent freelancers, perceptions differ — and sometimes unfairly.

Let's share my own experience. One company called me to offer me a job. I gently informed the HR officer that I am an independent freelancer and expressed my interest in their posting. With a very calm and pleasant voice, she replied, "Oh nooo, we don't work with them.

Uh?..I asked, what do you mean by 'them' ? She quietly said, Independent freelancers! Imagine my surprise 🤨

Why? Because people do not always understand the difference!

Consultants have been around for ages. We're used to hearing about them — big firms, structured methods, high fees, and a name that carries weight. Freelancers, though, were once almost invisible. They worked quietly, often behind the scenes, or weren't even considered a real option. Now they're stepping into the spotlight: flexible, skilled, and often more affordable.

Still, many people view independent freelancers as less official, less secure, or more difficult to manage. But if both offer expertise and deliver results, why aren't they seen the same way? Is it because consultants cost more and seem more "serious"? Or because companies feel safer signing with a big firm than with one person and a VAT number?

This is where the bias starts — and where the conversation needs to change

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Pay for work delivered!

Full-time employees offer continuity but also represent fixed costs, even during quiet periods. Independent freelancers allow you to pay only for what is produced — a defined mission, project or hourly work. You invest in results full stop.

Recruitment firms, job ads, interviews, assessments—it all comes with a price tag and drains internal resources. However, to hire an independent freelancer, it is easier like post a mail at bpost or fedex if you wish!

-you search, evaluate portfolios and references, and sign a contract, often within few hours.

-no agency fees, no pay-per click or get thousands of applicants email.

Platforms like vMasst accelerate the process even more, especially when it list your job posting and facilitate your milestone payment via secured and protected escrow. Your only task hiring consultant or independent freelancers is to read their cv, portfolios, chat decide to hire and pay the project.

Time saved = money save—Recruitment becomes faster and affordable

Traditional recruitment can easily stretch over weeks or even months: writing job ads, screening endless CVs, interviewing candidates, negotiating contracts… the whole cycle takes time and budget.

And if you decide to advertise on LinkedIn, be prepared: it’s pay-per-click. That means every curious click counts—whether it’s a genuine candidate, someone just browsing, or your neighbour’s aunt accidentally clicking while scrolling. You still pay, even if no application follows.

Independent freelancers simplify this process. You review their work, agree on the scope and start. All take place at the same spot, the independent freelancing platform.

Projects move faster, and HR resources are used more efficiently.

job interview

No ongoing infrastructure costs — but with responsibility

Freelancers usually work remotely and bring their own tools, saving costs on office space, equipment and IT onboarding. However, when sensitive information is involved — client data, internal systems, financial records or GDPR-regulated material — companies still have a duty to protect it.

Responsible businesses:

• provide secure laptops or virtual desktops when necessary

• offer access to licensed software rather than unregulated personal versions

• require VPN access, encrypted file sharing and confidentiality agreements

Ready?

Post your job, hire and pay—help build a stronger economy