IT projects are becoming more complex than ever. From SAP implementations to DevOps automation and embedded systems, companies face a crucial decision: Should they build in-house teams or bring in freelancers?
Because of the limited talent pool and the growing need for IT experts, companies are struggling to deliver projects on time, missing out on revenue and growth opportunities. Open Job roles can hurt a business more than you think. Employers in the U.S. are losing an estimated $1.08 trillion each month due to unfilled positions.
With digital transformation accelerating and specialised IT skills in high demand, many businesses are rethinking their hiring strategies. Especially with short-term projects or fast-growing companies, time is money. Freelancers can be the key to addressing these challenges, but why and how?
The Challenge of In-House Teams: Stability with Limitations
For years, companies have relied on full-time IT employees to maintain, develop, and innovate their systems and products. This model offers continuity, cultural alignment, and deep internal knowledge. A strong internal IT team understands business processes thoroughly and can ensure long-term system stability.
However, hiring full-time specialists across every IT field is becoming increasingly challenging due to the growing demand and limited talent pool. Every sector, particularly healthcare providers and government institutions, urgently need IT specialists in AI integration, cloud computing, and cybersecurity to keep pace with digitalisation and the evolving needs of the wider community. A sector study of Korn Ferry indicates that the global talent shortage is expected to exceed 85 million by 2030.
Challenges:
- Long recruitment cycles: Hiring an experienced software developer, DevOps engineer, or SAP consultant can take months due to lengthy screenings, interviews, and assessment tests.
- High costs: Hiring full-time employees involves significant costs, including training, insurance, benefits, and infrastructure. Additionally, HR-related costs such as administration can be much higher compared to freelancers.
- Limited flexibility: Teams may lack expertise in emerging technologies like AI, cloud security, or modern web frameworks, hindering creativity and innovation.
Freelancers: The Fast & Flexible Solution
Freelance IT experts offer companies specialised skills on demand, making it easier to scale quickly, meet deadlines, and access niche expertise. For short-term projects, hiring a freelancer is often the best choice. Some clients turn to freelancers for projects that must be completed within six months, avoiding the long-term costs associated with permanent hires.
Why companies are turning to freelancers:
- Speed: Freelancers can be onboarded within days, bypassing lengthy procedures.
- Specialised knowledge: Freelancers bring deep expertise in various fields, boosting productivity and offering fresh ideas. They can also share their knowledge with existing teams.
- No long-term commitment: Companies don’t need to commit to freelancers for years. They can hire them on demand, providing flexibility, especially when scaling up or down is necessary.
However, freelancing does have its drawbacks. Some companies are concerned about knowledge retention, team integration, and project continuity.
The main risks:
- Dependency on external talent.
- Less in-depth knowledge of company-specific processes.
- Need for structured onboarding to maximise impact.
The Hybrid Model: The Future of IT Projects?
Increasingly, businesses are combining the best of both worlds—retaining a core in-house IT team while leveraging freelance experts for specialised tasks.
Example: A logistics company needed to implement an AI-powered warehouse system. Instead of training internal staff for a year, they hired a freelancer to set up the system and train their in-house team. The result? A smooth transition with minimal downtime.
When should companies use freelancers?
✔️ During peak workloads or tight deadlines.
✔️ For projects requiring specialised skills (SAP S/4HANA, cybersecurity, etc.).
✔️ To support internal teams without increasing permanent headcount.
Do You Want to Integrate External expertise?
Amoria Bond offers top-tier IT freelancers across all specialisations. With over 15 years of experience, our IT recruiters have access to a vast talent pool across multiple countries. Let us help you find the right expert(s) for your project. Get in touch today with me and my team!
