In the past decade there has been a dramatic shift in the types of workers companies hire to complete projects. For the past fifty to sixty years, the majority type of work was typically direct hire workers. As legal policies and business practices have evolved, so have the types of workers. In the last decade there has been a shift within employers to utilize a diverse variety of individuals to be successful including consultants. There has been a misconception of what a consultant encompasses. To alleviate this challenge, Pack Protocols has put together a brief break-down:
Direct or in-house worker: Individual(s) who are directly hired through the business and is part of their internal staff.
Duties: In charge of supporting companies day to day activities. Follows upper management directions, wants, and needs.
Length of Employment: Long durations typically years to decades
Financials: Consistent paychecks which may include health insurance, company sponsored 401 (k) and/or stock options, determined amount of paid vacation, company group discounts, etc.
Consultant: Individual(s) who are more or less “free-agents” or independents who are not directly affiliated with company. Firms seek out consultant(s) as support for projects where they may or may not have the expertise. Do not work on-site consistently.
Duties: Recommends or suggests to company how to proceed with specifics for project from high to low level perspective. Has ability to accept or decline work that is provided to worker.
Length of Employment: Consultants can be hired for hours, weeks, months, or years.
Financials: Only paid for the work conducted for specific client.
Advantages of Direct or in-house worker:
- Consistent internal source of support and availability for projects.
- Understands company business model intricately.
- Comprehends how internal processes function.
- Job security, fixed schedule and paycheck.
Advantages of Consultant:
- Can be used as much or little as needed (flexible).
- Are not compensated for when there is no work.
- Do not have to pay for taxes and benefits
- Direct contact do not have to go through internal hierarchy.
- Flexibility and experience to work on multiple types of projects.
- Independent voice and freedom to complete project (do not have to go along with client’s business model) which may enable projects to progress more efficiently.
- Ability to work during non-business hours.
- Relatively easy to relieve when no longer needed.
It’s vital for firms to evaluate what type of worker is needed. When there is uncertainty related to important company decisions a great solution would be to hire a consultant to derive independent and unbiased findings. Consultants may also be a good choice when firms are uneducated on the project matter or may not have the expertise available.
If there are packaging project needs that are not being accomplished or up to expectations, Pack Protocols can alleviate these concerns. Want to learn more about our capabilities? Contact us here.