Part 2 of Malt’s Freelance Forward Executive Summit, hosted in Berlin, Germany, highlights the current state of freelancing in the country and the challenges and opportunities within the market. 

Experts from various sectors discuss the value of freelancers, the changing dynamics of client-freelancer relationships, and the importance of embracing flexible business models.

The discussion also sheds light on freelancers' obstacles and showcases success stories from companies that have effectively integrated freelancers into their workforce. 

Malt is Europe’s leading flexible talent platform. Founded in 2013, Malt has helped over 800,000 freelancers and 70,000 clients across 9 countries.

Human Cloud had the privilege to open and lead the panel for Malt’s Freelance Forward Summit in Berlin and Munich. There were over 150 executives and consultants, and on each panel, there was a Malt Executive, Freelancer, and Client embracing a flexible talent strategy. 

This episode highlights the Berlin panel, where we’ll learn from Belén Alomar Brutau, Malt’s Chief Product Officer, Andreas Dölecke, CEO of Kerkhoff Consulting GmbH, and Daniel Zinner, Freelance HR & Global Mobility Consultant. 

Key takeaways:

• Companies are increasingly integrating freelancers into their teams for long-term projects.

• Freelancing can significantly reduce the time it takes to hire specialized talent.

• The onboarding process for freelancers should be intentional and inclusive.

• Over 40% of freelancers in Germany have been freelancing for more than seven years.

• Freelancers spend an average of five hours a week upskilling themselves.

• Mittelstand companies in Germany are increasingly recognizing the value of freelancers.

• Freelancers need to adapt to a team-oriented culture rather than working in isolation.

• Successful companies are using freelancers as part of their global talent strategy.

• Freelancers should focus on personal branding and niche expertise to stand out.