In 2018, approximately 20% of all workers across the United States were contract employees. This number is even higher today due to the complications that COVID-19 restrictions imposed.
For businesses that decide to outsource to this type of worker, it’s essential to manage them properly if you want the best results. Although Contractor Management might seem complicated, it’s much more straightforward than you may think.
In this contractor management guide, we will explore the key details that you need to know. Let’s dive in.
What Is Contractor Management?
In essence, it is the process of managing outside contractors and ensuring that they are meeting the standards set by your company.
This often includes ensuring that they are completing the work they were hired to do on time and within budget. It also involves making sure that they are adhering to company policies and procedures. It should come as no surprise that improper management can lead to a number of issues.
Common ones include payment complications, improperly conveying project details, etc. Problems like these could damage the reputation of your brand, as well.
Why Is Contractor Management Important?
First and foremost, it can help to ensure that work is completed on time and within budget. By having a well-defined process for managing contractors, you can help to avoid any potential problems that may arise, such as missed deadlines or cost overruns.
Finally, contractor management can also help to ensure that all contractors are working in compliance with company policies and procedures. This is especially important for those in the healthcare sector. Contract workers in this space must always adhere to HIPAA guidelines.
Workers who don’t follow them could put your business at risk. As a result, you may experience fines and similar penalties. You may also be more likely to get audited in the future.
Are There Any Tools or Resources That Can Help Me With Contractor Management?
Yes, there are a number of tools and resources that can help you with contractor management.
For example, you might be able to use a tool that helps ensure that they are completing the work they were hired to do on time and within budget. It could also involve making sure that they adhere to company policies and procedures.
When you have the opportunity to do so, it’s in your best interest to take advantage of these tools. When searching for one, be sure to research past reviews. This will provide insight into what you can expect.
Why Should I Invest in It?
To reiterate, there are a number of benefits to be gained from using contractor management processes. These include:
- Ensuring that work is completed on time and within budget
- Avoiding potential problems, such as missed deadlines or cost overruns
- Ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures
When handled correctly, contractor management will be one of the most lucrative investments that your company makes. This is simply due to the fact that you can hire better talent and get more out of them.
Over time, this leads to increased revenue and a better reputation for your brand.
How Do I Get Started?
There is no universal answer to this question, as the process of contractor management will vary depending on the organization. However, there are a few basic steps that you can take to get started, such as creating a contract template, setting up a system for tracking contractor progress, and establishing guidelines for how contractors should work.
You should also determine your current pain points. For instance, you might find that many contractors do not understand your internal processes. They might also have trouble understanding the scope of your work.
From here, you’ll be able to determine what you should look for in a management solution. It’s also worth noting that getting in touch with a professional is always an option. In fact, there are entire agencies dedicated to helping you manage your contract workers.
They will be able to pinpoint areas that need improvement and help you make the most of the contractors you work with.
Keep this option in mind when moving forward so you can make the decision that’s best for your company.
What Are the Risks Associated With Contract Workers?
No matter how well you plan, there is always a risk that things may go wrong when working with contractors.
Without solid agreements in place, for example, your intellectual property might be at risk.
Fortunately, proper contractor management mitigates these risks. This will allow you to avoid obstacles that you would have encountered.
Is Contractor Management Right For My Business?
That depends on a number of factors, including the size and type of your business, as well as the type of work that you do. However, any organization that hires contractors can benefit from using contractor management services.
This will help you alleviate much of the burden allow you to focus on core business processes. As time goes on, this will then allow you to increase metrics like productivity and the quality of your work.
You Shouldn’t Overlook the Benefits of Contractor Management
Otherwise, you won’t be able to handle contract workers that your business hires as efficiently as you could. Keep the above contractor management tips in mind so that you can take full advantage of the benefits that contractor management offers.
Want to learn more about what we have to offer? Feel free to get in touch with us today and see how we can help.