E-book

Managing freelancers, pitfalls & success factors for construction managers

Introduction

Managing freelancers on site can be really good - but it can also go really wrong. Here's a quick overview of common mistakes (❌) and what to do instead (✅).

Common pitfalls - and how to avoid them

❌ Believe that freelancers "take care of themselves"

✅ Provide a clear introduction, rules and follow-up

❌ Treats freelancers as employees (precise hours, micromanagement)

✅ Give missions and goals - let them guide the way there

❌ Skipping culture - "we don't have time for coffee"

✅ Build culture in the small: health, praise, shared breaks

❌ Is unclear about roles and responsibilities

✅ Clarify: who does what, when, and with whom

❌ Treats freelancers as interchangeable

✅ Show that they matter - here and now

Success factors - how to make it work

✅ Clarity before speed - it's faster to get it right from the start

✅ Inclusion before hierarchy - everyone is part of the team

✅ Trust before control - show trust, not micromanagement

✅ Communication every day - not just when problems arise

✅ Be human - people follow people, not titles

Takeaways - In a nutshell

  • Avoid disguised employment: give assignments, not orders

  • Culture is built in everyday life, not in documents

  • Clear roles = less conflict

  • Freelancers deliver best when they feel welcome and important

Next steps for you as a manager

Want simple tools to avoid the pitfalls and build success? Get in touch with

Worknode - we take on the employer responsibility, so you can focus on construction.

Want more simple guides to managing freelancers?

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Per Hedelin

Work node