Fixed-Term Contractors vs. True Freelancers

[mendez]

Not all contingent workers are treated equally. Fixed-term contractors are increasingly expected to mirror permanent staff behavior, including office attendance and working patterns. If employees are in three days a week, fixed-term contractors are often expected to follow suit.

Independent freelancers working under a Statement of Work (SOW) have more protection. Because they’re contracted for outcomes rather than hours, they can more credibly justify remote work—provided the contract and day-to-day reality support that independence.

[AIcash]

office mandates + “freelance” labels is just disguised employment with extra steps