Building a Strong Company Culture with Freelancers
A strong team culture is the bedrock of a successful organisation; shared values, beliefs, and behaviours define how a team works together. However, with companies increasingly turning to freelancers to fill skill gaps, many wonder how to maintain a strong company culture with a mix of full-time employees and external talent. But a great culture doesn’t happen by accident; it’s intentionally built and nurtured.
The Impact of Freelancers on Company Culture
Freelancers can significantly influence a company’s culture, bringing both advantages and challenges. On the positive side, they introduce fresh perspectives and diverse skill sets, which can prevent “groupthink” and spur innovation. Their specialised expertise allows a company to remain agile and responsive to market changes without the long-term overhead of a full-time hire. This flexibility can lead to increased productivity and, in turn, a boost in employee morale.
However, incorporating freelancers also presents challenges. A key issue is ensuring freelancers feel connected to the company’s vision and values. Without a strong sense of belonging, they may not be as committed to the company’s long-term goals. Additionally, communication and coordination can be difficult, especially with freelancers working in different time zones or on varied schedules.
Building a Thriving Team Culture
1. Define Your Core Values
A great culture begins with a clear foundation. Work with your team to define a set of core values and a mission statement that everyone believes in. These values should serve as a guiding compass for every decision and action.
- Make it a team effort – Don’t just hand down a list of values. Involve your team in brainstorming sessions to create values that are meaningful and resonate with them.
- Put it in writing – Write your new values into a living document or a visual that is easily accessible.
- Lead by example – As a leader, you must embody these values in your daily actions. Your team will follow your example, so your behaviour is critical in reinforcing the culture you want to build.
2. Foster Open Communication
Communication is important in any team. A culture of open and transparent communication is crucial for fostering trust and ensuring that everyone feels valued and heard.
- Encourage dialogue – Create a safe space where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, voicing concerns, and admitting mistakes without fear of judgment.
- Be transparent – Share company goals, successes, and setbacks openly. Explain the rationale behind key decisions. This fosters trust and helps employees understand how their work contributes to the organisation's overall goals.
- Gather feedback – Regularly ask for feedback through one-on-one meetings, team discussions, or anonymous surveys. Show that you listen and are willing to act on their input.
3. Promote Collaboration and Teamwork
Teams are stronger when they work together. Create opportunities that allow team members to connect, learn from each other, and solve problems collectively.
- Provide resources – Ensure your team has the right tools, technology, and dedicated physical or virtual spaces to collaborate effectively.
- Cross-train employees – Encourage cross-training so that team members understand each other’s roles. This not only builds empathy but also makes the team more resilient and adaptable.
- Invest in team-building – Organise both work-related and social activities. These don’t have to be complex – a simple team lunch or a collaborative workshop can strengthen bonds and build a sense of camaraderie.
4. Recognise and Reward Achievements
Acknowledging and celebrating both individual and collective successes is crucial for maintaining morale and motivation.
- Celebrate wins – Make a point to recognise great work, whether it’s a big project milestone or a small act of kindness. Public praise and awards can be powerful motivators.
- Connect to values – Tie recognition back to your core values. This reinforces the behaviours that are important to your team’s culture.
- Encourage peer-to-peer appreciation – Foster an environment where team members also recognise and thank each other for their contributions.
5. Prioritise Professional Development and Growth
Investing in your team’s growth shows that you value them as individuals and are committed to their long-term success.
- Offer learning opportunities – Provide resources like training programs, workshops, and mentorship initiatives.
- Encourage continuous learning – Create a culture where knowledge sharing is encouraged, and team members are motivated to continuously expand their skill sets.
6. Emphasise Work-Life Balance and Well-Being
A positive culture supports employees’ lives both inside and outside of work. Prioritising well-being helps prevent burnout and increases overall job satisfaction.
- Offer flexibility – Provide flexible schedules or remote work options when possible to help employees manage their personal and professional responsibilities.
- Encourage breaks – Ensure employees take their holiday days and time off to rest and recharge.
- Provide wellness support – Offer resources for mental and physical well-being, such as wellness programs or access to counselling services.
7. Hire with Culture in Mind
The final step in building a strong culture is to be intentional about who you bring into the team.
- Define your ideal candidate – Develop interview questions that assess not just skills, but also a candidate’s alignment with your team’s values and work style.
- Integrate culture from the start – Incorporate your culture into the onboarding process so new hires understand what the team stands for from day one.
Strategies for Building a Cohesive Team Culture
Successfully integrating freelancers requires a deliberate and inclusive approach. A strong remote work culture is essential, and these strategies can help you foster one:
- Communication is key – Clear and consistent communication is the foundation of any successful team. Use video conferencing for regular team and one-to-one meetings to bridge any geographical gaps. It’s crucial to set clear expectations and communication standards from the beginning, including response times and project milestones
- Foster an Inclusive Environment – Make a conscious effort to include freelancers in company life. Invite them to team meetings, social gatherings, and other company events. This helps them feel valued and gives them the opportunity to build rapport with full-time employees.
- Onboard for Success – A well-structured onboarding process is vital. Introduce freelancers to key team members, provide demos of necessary tools, and clearly define your company’s values and mission. Explaining the “why” behind their tasks and how their work contributes to the company’s overall goals can help them feel a greater sense of purpose and commitment.
By taking a proactive approach to communication, inclusivity, and recognition, you can create a thriving and collaborative environment where freelancers and full-time employees work together seamlessly, driving success and innovation for your company.
Are you looking to hire? Submit your vacancy with us today and let our AI system find your perfect new team member!









