Building A Gig Economy Workforce

Description

Uber drivers, Amazon delivery persons. Contractors and subcontractors of contractors. Subcontractors with their own employees.  The gig economy has created big opportunities for both companies and individuals.  

Having a flexible workforce that you don’t have to pay when you don’t need them to work is almost too tempting to pass by. Include not having to worry about bothersome HR requirements, and it seems almost too good to be true. Yet, as with most too-good-to-be-true arrangements, the solution can become more troublesome than the problem it was meant to solve.    

Some companies create arrangements that perilously skirt the nature of employer/employee. What exactly is a “freelancer”? Or a contractor-to-hire position? Not an employee, nor truly an independent businessperson.

There are other problems both compliance and operational of which you should be aware. Some states have laws that define what is a contractor or the treatment of contractors for tax purposes. Other states have laws that give some employment-type protections to contractors.

Some states have it all: laws regarding status; taxes; and employment protections.  

However, contractors are here to stay. It’s an efficient way to use labor and find expertise for jobs only when a company has a need. It’s also a way for individuals to follow their dreams of building small businesses.  

This webinar will cover how to use contactors effectively while following the best operational and HR practices to avoid contracting “hot spots.”

Agenda

• Advantages of using independent contractors
• Balancing HR challenges with business considerations.
• What the IRS scrutinizes in independent contractor arrangements.
• The Department of Labor’s view.
• How the EEOC could get involved
• Contractors have options determining the relationship too.
• What if someone-- contractor, employee or customer is injured?
• How to blend employees and contractors so both can work effectively and without unnecessary drama.   
• How independent contractors can cause compliance challenges
• State law and regulations
• Independent contractors’ do’s and don’ts
• Temporary employees. Whose employees are they?
• What about the employee who "wants" to be an independent contractor?