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The conundrum of a contractor vs full-time employee

Updated: Sep 3, 2023

Companies often face a choice when they are expanding their teams, do we hire someone full-time or subscribe to the services of a contractor?


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Here are some of the key points to consider before making a decision either way.


Cost and Flexibility: Contractors are generally paid on a project or hourly basis, and the company is not responsible for providing benefits (healthcare, retirement plans, etc.), or paying employer components of various government taxes.


Employees, on the other hand, come with additional costs, such as benefits (healthcare, retirement plans, etc.), taxes, and potential severance pay.

Hiring contractors can offer more flexibility in terms of engaging specific skills for short-term projects or specialized tasks.



Control and Independence: Contractors typically work independently and have more control over their work methods and schedules.


Employees, however, are subject to more direction and oversight by the company. Employees also need a growth plan in place and hence apt leadership in place to always keep them challenged and busy. If you require close supervision and want a team member to be integrated fully into the company culture, an employee might be a better fit.



Expertise and Commitment: Contractors are usually hired for their specialized expertise and may bring fresh perspectives to the table.


However, they may have less commitment to the long-term success of the company since they are not bound by the same loyalty as full-time employees. Employees, especially those who have been with the company for a long time, tend to have a deeper understanding of the organization and its goals.



Training and Development: Based on the type of projects being undertaken, you might have to make additional investments in the training and development of employees, on the positive, training and development can lead to a more skilled and loyal workforce, whereas contractors might already possess the expertise needed for the task at hand.

Consider the long-term needs of your business when making this decision.



Workforce Size and Structure: The size and structure of your workforce can also influence your decision. If you need a small number of people with specialized skills for specific projects, contractors might be suitable. However, if you're building a core team for ongoing work, hiring employees could be more appropriate.



Company Culture: Hiring employees allows you to build and nurture a company culture more effectively. Employees are more likely to identify with the company's mission and values, which can contribute to a positive work environment. The best of both worlds can be achieved when you hire a specialized consulting organization like Kimshuka Technologies which can help you with a highly skilled workforce ready to work on your IT projects.

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