Good to know: Contractors

What is a Contractor?

A contractor is an individual or a company hired to perform specific tasks or projects for a client on a temporary basis. Unlike permanent employees, contractors typically work under a contract for a fixed period or until the completion of a particular project. They are often brought in for their specialized skills and expertise to meet the specific needs of a business.


For more insights, take a look at our comprehensive explanation: What Is the Difference Between Employees and Independent Contractors? (joinhorizons.com)

Key Characteristics of Contractors

  1. Independence: Contractors operate as independent entities. They have the freedom to choose how and when to complete their work, often bringing their own tools and methods to the job.
  2. Temporary Engagement: Contractors are engaged for a specific period or project. Once the project is completed, the contractual relationship usually ends.
  3. Specialized Skills: Contractors are often hired for their specialized knowledge and skills that are not available within the client’s existing workforce.
  4. Flexibility: Hiring contractors allows businesses to scale their workforce up or down quickly in response to project demands without long-term commitments.


Its crucial to select the correct setup and to determine if one hires a contractor or an employee. Take a look at our detailed explanation: What is Employee Misclassification? + How to Avoid The Risk (joinhorizons.com) 


Benefits of Hiring Contractors

  1. Cost-Effective: Businesses can save on costs related to benefits, payroll taxes, and long-term employment commitments by hiring contractors.
  2. Expertise on Demand: Contractors bring specialized skills and knowledge, allowing businesses to tap into expertise that may not be available internally.
  3. Flexibility: Contractors offer the flexibility to meet project-based needs without the overhead of permanent employees.
  4. Speed: Contractors can be brought on board quickly to address immediate project needs or to fill temporary skill gaps.


Hiring a Contractor requires an Independet Contractor Agreement: What Is an Independent Contractor Agreement? [Benefits and Essential Terms] (joinhorizons.com)



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