When expanding your team with offshore talent, you have two primary options:

1. partnering with a reliable offshore hiring company
2. sourcing individuals from a freelance marketplace

While both offshoring and freelancing achieve similar goals on the surface, these shared methods may not always reflect the quality of work produced. In reality, offshoring proves to be a superior investment compared to freelancing, despite their apparent similarities.

Why offshoring with Deployed is a better choice for your business over hiring freelancers

Cost Efficiency

Freelancing may appear cost-effective for short-term projects with its lump sum or hourly payment structures, but it’s crucial to differentiate between cost efficiency and mere cost reduction. Hidden expenses like recruitment, operational overheads, and management burdens often accompany freelancing. Freelancers typically charge more to cover benefits and government compliance that are typically part of regular employment.

Overall costs must encompass health insurance, which can be significantly higher for individual policies, along with expenses for devices, software programs, and upskilling to maintain market competitiveness. Allocating costs for vacation and sick leaves is essential, as freelancers do not earn when they are not working. Moreover, there are tax filing costs, which can vary for self-employed individuals. Not to mention the lack of regulation on the salary ranges used by freelancers based on their skill set and level of experience.

When you offshore with Deployed, these additional costs will be mitigated as we have standardised services and procedures related to recruitment, onboarding, workforce management, and retention. Our expertise not only ensures a strong candidate pool and hiring process but also provides available resources for business continuity and contingency, which are not guaranteed with freelancing. Costs such as health benefits, device acquisition and management, and compliance are managed cost-effectively through group packages, utilising reliable third-party providers that allow us to customise packages according to your needs.

Consistent quality and reliability

One often overlooked aspect of freelancing is that these individuals are self-employed and not bound by a legal obligation to your business. This means they have the flexibility to come and go as they please. Platforms like Upwork or Freelancer may provide access to a range of professionals, but consistency in quality and reliability can be an issue. Juggling multiple projects, freelancers may struggle with availability and commitment, potentially compromising the quality of work. If a freelancer fails to meet your expectations, you are left starting over from scratch, investing time and money in finding and training a replacement.

At Deployed, we meticulously vet our talent pool through background checks, technical assessments, and interviews to offer access to highly skilled and dependable professionals. Tailoring recruitment efforts to your specific needs ensures that only the top 5% of skilled and well-educated professionals from the Philippines are selected. This approach allows you to choose candidates who closely align with your vision, company goals, and cultural values. What sets us apart is our guarantee – if a hired talent does not meet your qualifications, we provide a replacement at no additional cost, ensuring your business’s security and success.

Dedicated account management

At Deployed, your experience is our top priority. Our dedicated account managers act as your sole point of contact, guiding you in workforce decisions and ensuring alignment with your business goals. These managers help nurture the relationship, address any arising issues, and ensure that your offshore team is aligned with your business objectives.

On the other hand, freelance marketplaces typically necessitate individual freelancer management, which can be cumbersome and intricate, especially for larger projects involving multiple freelancers.

Network protection and security compliance

Freelancers often lack the necessary infrastructure for data privacy and network security, exposing them to risks in maintaining confidentiality. Varying laws on freelance work globally lead to loosely defined contracts, creating uncertainty around data protection and limiting legal recourse in case of breaches. Issues like prolonged power outages and limited network redundancies can hinder their reliability and connectivity, leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats due to inadequate security measures.

Hardware compatibility is another concern. If your project requires specific device specifications, relying solely on the freelancer’s resources may be challenging, potentially compromising data integrity due to a lack of essential security features.

At Deployed, we prioritise security by upholding non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and implementing modern security protocols, conducting regular network audits to ensure top-notch standards. Our IT managed services allow comprehensive oversight of your offshore staff’s network and security connections, whether they work remotely, in a hybrid setup, or on-site. We offer hardware leasing options with globally standardised security features, reducing maintenance concerns and providing swift issue resolution through our dedicated IT service team.

Legal and compliance assurance

One of our primary services is handling all legal and compliance aspects concerning employment in the Philippines, including employment contracts, labour laws, and intellectual property protection. This service reduces the risk of legal complications and ensures the protection of your business.

Freelance marketplaces typically require you to manage legal compliance independently. Navigating international labour laws and ensuring compliance can be complex and risky without dedicated support, calling into question the cost-efficiency of handling these responsibilities on your own.

Final thoughts…

Building trust is often more effective for businesses than focusing solely on project quantity. While freelancers dedicate significant effort to project development, the transactional nature of their relationships typically results in shallow connections. Their focus on project-by-project work to maximise earnings can impede long-term objectives.

Choosing offshoring guarantees a team that seamlessly integrates with your company culture, nurturing enduring relationships. At Deployed, we invest time, dedication, and partnership in comprehending your business, providing continuous support and development for your team. With a proven track record in establishing successful offshore teams, we customise solutions to bring your ideal team to life. You maintain control over team composition without the complexities of employment, ensuring top-notch work. 

If you’re  looking to scale effectively and maintain high standards for your business, Deployed has the solution for you. Book a discovery call with us today and explore offshore opportunities.