Freelancers: Protect Yourself by Understanding Worker Classification
You may have heard about changing labor laws in the event industry affecting both organizations and freelancers. Worker classification has been a grey area among many, but we're here to clear up any uncertainty!
Last month we published an article about worker classification to help our customers understand the latest developments and how they’re affecting the event industry. We also want freelancers to be well educated in the current regulations – so this article is for you. We’ll share what you need to know about worker classification as a freelancer, how it impacts you, and how to protect yourself so you continue to get work.
Worker Classification 101
Below, we curated a list of common questions that freelancers like you have asked and provided answers/resources to set you up for success.
What is worker classification?
Here’s the short and sweet: Worker classification is a fancy way of saying how a worker is categorized within a company. For example, contract, freelance, part-time, full-time, etc. Proper worker classification is important because it determines how a worker is compensated and what benefits they may or not receive from a company. Classification also defines the relationship between employer and talent, which can affect work style, flow of hours, and working dynamics. Misclassification, therefore, can be costly for both organizations and freelancers.
Read more about the current labor laws here.
How does worker classification impact freelancers?
The latest changes to worker classification have made hiring independent talent more complex for many businesses. As a result, many organizations are more hesitant to hire freelance talent directly – which can result in less opportunities for freelancers. HOWEVER, forward-thinking companies are turning to partners that can accurately handle compliance for them and ensure a mutually beneficial working relationship with freelancers.
How do I stay ahead of misclassification?
Soundings has you covered! As mentioned above, you don’t need to worry about compliance when you have a partner that handles it for you. We had a hunch in 2022 that worker classification would be changing how freelancers got work, so we got ahead of it to provide our talent community with work opportunities and security. Here’s how we’re looking out for freelancers.
Benefits of working with Soundings:
Less uncertainty and more work opportunities! Instead of organizations navigating the changing labor law policies on their own, we handle all compliance, ensuring that you are properly classified when we match you with work you love.
Guaranteed compliance. No matter how a position is classified, we offer both a 1099 and W2 payment option to guarantee compliance to our talent and customers.
Weekly payouts and HR resources. We don’t want you to compromise your freedom for security, so we provide you with the resources you need to manage your own business.
Business growth. Build your portfolio and make more money: access our preferred supplier network, expand your service offerings, and earn industry commission.
Industry coaching. Soundings is on the pulse of the industries we serve. We keep our talent network up to date on industry trends, the future of work, and how to stand out.
Continued education/skillset practice. Gain access to our members-only library, filled with webinars, CEU and certification opportunities, articles, and special offers. Participate in mock events, gain virtual event experience, and see how far your skillsets can go.
Learn more about the benefits of joining the Soundings Thrive community here.
We’re here for you!
Our biggest value proposition at Soundings is to stay ahead of industry changes so we can properly support our talent’s thriving careers. We are passionate about providing freelancers with the resources they need to succeed, and we would love to do the same for you!