How web3 is transforming freelancing, creating a hidden Talent Hub

Freelancing in the BeNeLux

The BeNeLux region, which includes Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, has a thriving freelance economy, with professionals in a wide variety of fields finding success as freelancers. While there are certain types of freelancers that are particularly common, there's a lot of room for freelancers to succeed in other fields as well. The flexibility and autonomy that freelancing offers makes it an attractive option for many professionals in the region.

Common Freelance Roles

Freelancers in this region work in a variety of fields from creative industries such as design and writing to technical fields such as software development and engineering. However, there are a few types of freelancers that are particularly common in the BeNeLux.

20 of the most common freelance jobs in the BeNeLux currently are:

1. Software developer

2. web designer

3. Graphic designer

4. Writer/lyricist

5. Translator / interpreter

6. Social media manager

7. Marketing consultant

8. Business coach/advisor

9. Photographer/videographer

10. Virtual Assistant/Administrative Assistant

11. Event planner/coordinator

12. SEO-specialist

13. Content Maker

14. UI/UX designer

15. Accountant/bookkeeper

16. HR advisor

17. Financial Advisor

18. Project Manager

19. Legal advisor

20. Coach/Trainer (in various areas such as fitness, nutrition, etc.)

This list is by no means exhaustive as there are many other freelance jobs in the BeNeLux and the demand for certain types of freelancers can fluctuate based on the local economy and industry trends (like ChatGPT). However, these are some of the most common and most requested freelance jobs in the BeNeLux region.

Strong growth

• According to a ,report by the European Forum of Independent Professionals (EFIP), the number of self-employed in the BeNeLux countries increased from 11.5% in 2008 to 14.2% in 2017. This growth was particularly strong in the Netherlands, where the percentage of self-employed rose from 12.7% to 15.5% in the same period.

• A ,study by the Flemish StartersLabo in 2021 showed that there were 150,143 freelancers in Flanders alone. That means a growth of 37% in 5 years! Another, study by the Dutch Chamber of Commerce showed that the number of freelancers in the Netherlands increased by 6% in 2020 alone, despite or thanks to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Freelancing is becoming increasingly popular in the BeNeLux, where it actually is a hidden talent- and knowledge -hub. ,A study by the German IFO in 2022 reports Belgium as number one in Europe with 10% freelancers in an average workforce, the Netherlands closes the top five with 7% and Luxembourg has only 3 freelancers per 100 employees.

The evolution of freelancing

The evolution of freelancing has been a continuous process for decades, but it wasn't until the rise of the internet that it really took off and began to take on its modern form.

With the emergence of the gig economy and the internet, freelancing became more accessible and more widespread than ever before. People could connect with clients all over the world, work from home and set their own schedules. However, freelancing was still largely a solitary pursuit, with little collaboration or community building.

With the advent of web3, freelancing has continued to evolve and grow, with more and more people embracing the freedom and flexibility it offers. In Europe, and especially in the BeNeLux, freelancing has become a popular and viable career option, with now even more fuel for growth thanks to web3.

The impact of web3

Decentralized internet is a new iteration of the internet, which is built on blockchain technology. It promises to be more open, transparent and decentralized than the current web, which is dominated by a few big companies. Web3 has the potential to transform many industries, including freelancing.

One of the most exciting aspects of web3 for freelancers, next to blockchain,smart contracts, new AI developments, cryptocurrencies and reward mechanisms,... is the emergence of Talent Communities and eventually decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs).

DAOs and talent communities

DAOs are organizations run by a community through smart contracts on a blockchain. They are designed to be more democratic and decentralized than traditional talent communities. Decisions are therefore made by the community rather than by a central authority (although someone has to start at some point...). The great thing about these communities is that people also encourage (and reward) each other to learn. Learning to understand, apply and use web3.

In the BeNeLux there are several Talent Communities (central) and only few DAOs that focus on freelancing. There is also a significant growth in digital platforms that support and “look after” the freelancer by linking all kinds of benefits or discounts to a membership. It already enables freelancers to connect with clients and other freelancers in a centralized or decentralized and transparent way. They also offer several benefits, including lower rates (deductions) and more control over the work being done.

As web3 continues to evolve, freelancing is likely to become even more accessible, flexible and innovative than ever before. Companies will have to see the number of freelancers in their workforce increase, individually or collectively (via a DAO, Talent Community or ... an external agency founded by some collaborating individuals.).

Conclusion

In general, the available data suggests that the freelance economy in the BeNeLux is growing and becoming increasingly important for companies in the region. The more freelancers join the workforce and businesses (necessary) turn to freelancers for their expertise or flexibility, it is likely that this trend will continue for years to come.

To me it explains the tendency to merge VMS and ATS systems and to apply a form of Total Talent Management within companies and organizations.

The challenge for HR professionals and recruiters will be to find the key to these hidden and/or closed talent hubs. Nevertheless, the scarcity of talent and the growing self-sufficiency of that same talent may eventually lead companies to either use these DAOs and Talent Communities or create their own.

The question is: Are Belgian (and Dutch) organizations ready for blockchain and DAOs?