It’s management’s responsibility to guide the relationship between a company and an independent contractor. While making sure you do not run afoul of the independent contractor rules, here are some things you might want to do to ensure that the contractor’s work meets the firm’s expectations:
- Develop specific goals and time frames
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Whenever possible, break the project down into divisible stages that include associated costs and time frames. Therefore, if the project is terminated, the company has an objective means of determining compensation. Setting goals and time frames provides direction to the contractor and gives the firm a means of evaluating performance, progress and results.
- Require weekly status or progress reports.
These reports can detail what was accomplished during this time and what’s planned for the next few weeks.
- Assign a contact person who’s responsible for working directly with the contractor.
This individual should complete preliminary work to ensure the best use of the contractor’s time. This person could also serve as a buffer, eliminating unnecessary disruptions that can prevent the contractor from completing a project on schedule.
SOURCE: John Thrasher, Recruitment Today, Spring 1990, Vol. 3 No. 2, Reprint #73, Copyright © 1990 by ACC Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Not to be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion.