A freelancer is a self-employed individual who provides professional services on a contract or project basis, rather than being employed full-time by a single company.
Freelancers typically work independently, offering specialised skills in areas such as writing, design, programming, consulting, or marketing.
Unlike traditional employees, freelancers are responsible for managing their own taxes, benefits, and schedules.
With the growth of the digital economy, freelancing has become a significant part of the global workforce, offering both companies and individuals flexibility and scalability.
Freelancers operate as independent contractors and may work with one or multiple clients at the same time. Typical aspects of freelancing include:
Contracts & agreements: work is defined by contracts or project-based terms.
Flexible engagement: freelancers decide when, where, and how they complete assignments.
Payments: freelancers are typically paid per project, hourly, or on a retainer basis.
Independence: freelancers handle their own tools, taxes, and insurance.
Digital platforms: many freelancers find work via online platforms or direct client networks.
Flexibility: companies can scale their workforce up or down based on project needs.
Cost efficiency: reduces overhead costs, as freelancers manage their own benefits.
Access to global talent: businesses can source specialised expertise from anywhere in the world.
Speed: freelancers are often engaged quickly to fill immediate skill gaps.
Autonomy: freelancers enjoy control over their workload and career path.
Employee: works under a company’s direct control, receives a salary, benefits, and legal protections.
Freelancer: operates independently, managing their own taxes, insurance, and work environment.
The distinction: is critical for compliance, as misclassifying freelancers as employees can create legal and tax risks.
At Mauve Group, we understand the growing role of freelancers in the modern workforce.
Through our independent contractor services, we help companies engage freelancers compliantly, ensuring contracts, tax obligations, and local labour laws are correctly managed.
This allows businesses to access flexible talent globally without compliance risks.
Independent contractor: a worker providing services under contract without being a formal employee.
Gig economy: a labour market defined by short-term contracts and freelance work.
Self-employment: individuals who run their own business or work independently.
Employer of record (EOR): a service enabling companies to hire globally without establishing a local entity.
Payroll for international employees: managing salaries for workers in multiple countries, including freelancers.
Global mobility: the ability to manage and support workers across different jurisdictions.