Here's an eye-catching statistic: the number of Dutch freelancers has risen by 85% in the last decade. 

The rise of the freelancer in Dutch work culture means that about 1 million workers (according to some estimates) have discovered the benefits of freelance work. And, more importantly, it also means that thousands of business leaders understand the unique value freelancers bring to their teams.

The Netherlands is building a thriving freelancer economy, and IT freelancers make up a healthy slice of that pie. Here's why Dutch companies are using IT freelancers to supplement their full time teams, especially when they need IT skills.

Dutch IT freelancers are skilled self-starters.

You don’t last long in IT if you don’t know your cache from your kernel. IT freelancers are usually exceptionally skilled and well educated, with the professional credentials to back up their work.

Most IT freelancers have higher degrees in computer science or engineering. If they don't, they likely have decades of industry experience that's on par with a university degree.

IT freelancers are known for being engineering innovators, completely at home in a fast-paced, data-driven company culture. Plus, IT professionals often bring soft skills to their roles, like a passion for software development and an uncompromising work ethic.

Why are Dutch companies hiring IT freelancers?

Savvy Dutch companies are increasingly turning to freelancers for digital transformation projects with an estimated 70% of tech execs rely on freelancing to fill skills gaps. Here's why:

Flexibility in a fast-changing industry

IT freelancers are comfortable with the breakneck speed of digital transformation. They're engineers at heart, so they prize innovative software solutions that are as flexible as they are robust. These software engineers deliver strength under pressure, and they relish the challenge of a tight deadline.

Skilled IT freelancers from Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Eindhoven

If you need to hire IT talent, you'll find that some of the best freelancers work in Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Eindhoven. These cities offer an abundance of skilled Dutch IT workers who prefer the freedom of a freelance contract to a traditional 9 to 5 work day.

They're local, so you can call them into the office for kick-off meetings or milestone checks. But they're outside the office for most of the project, quietly working away to meet your deadlines without the distractions of the water cooler.

Proficiency in English

Software developers usually work in English, and most IT freelancers in the Netherlands are highly proficient in the language, making it easy for companies around the world to hire them.

English proficiency is an even greater advantage if you're working with global remote teams. A common language is essential in these scenarios, and English tends to be the default. Dutch workers' strong English skills are a must-have for global collaborations.

Dutch work-life balance yields high-quality results

The Netherlands is renowned for a healthy work/life balance. That means that your Sunday morning email may go unanswered until Monday, but the quality of the freelance work will be outstanding.

Why? Because happier workers produce better outcomes. And with a brilliant work-life balance, freelance IT workers in the Netherlands can deliver amazing results for every project.

Is a Dutch IT freelancer right for your company?

Freelancers are fantastic, but not every IT freelancer is well suited for every job—or every company. Freelancers need to be highly skilled and super motivated to succeed. Otherwise, work slows down and deadlines are missed.

But with the right freelancer, you can pinpoint your team’s skill shortages and bridge those gaps in expertise. In the right environment, freelancers can be a powerful and budget-friendly solution to team growth and project progress.

Freelance IT work goes hand-in-hand with the fintech, cybersecurity, and eCommerce industries, which require talented developers, but don’t necessarily need daily in-person collaboration.

Whatever industry you’re in, here are a few things you might be able to do by bringing a freelancer on board:

Grow without the hassles of scaling

If you’re not in a position to hire a full-time employee, you might feel stuck in a holding pattern and unable to build a winning team.

Working with a freelancer allows you to add skill sets that complement your team's strengths without the headache—or expense—of a full-time hire. You don’t need to jump through HR hoops or file heaps of paperwork. Plus, you don’t have to worry whether your full-time hire was the right one for your long-term growth.

Hire as needed for short-term projects

Sometimes, you only need short-term help for a limited-scope project. Hiring a freelancer lets you cherry-pick the specific skills you need for a finite project role. When the project's complete, your freelance talent moves on to their next client.

And because their work is strictly defined, freelancers help you reign in potential scope creep. They perform their specific role, and that's it. They're not involved in conversations that tend to nudge the project scope, so they stick to the original deliverables without getting sidetracked.

IT freelancer success stories and hiring tips

Here's how business leaders are using IT freelancers to support their teams, plus a few tips for finding the freelancers that will succeed at your company:

-  IT freelancers may work with software, but according to this article in IT Freelancer Magazine, for the collaboration to be successful, it has to be a human fit.

-  According to CNBC, top-performing IT freelancers overwhelmingly display these 3 traits: superb tech skills, professionalism, and confidence.

-  Some companies are even filling executive roles with freelancers. These "interim execs" can temporarily fill executive roles, and they're more effective than you might think.

Need to add some IT skills to your team, stat?

Want to know the quickest, easiest way to find highly-qualified IT freelancers? Work with a staffing agency that connects you to top tech talent—like RED Global.

Save time hiring freelancers and rest assured you'll get the best. Book a strategy call today to add world-class IT talent to your project.