In a labour market characterised by scarcity and competition, finding a professional at a fair price is a challenge. Organisations want to maintain control of their hiring costs, without compromising on quality or speed. At the same time, you want rates to be established in a transparent, market-conform and sustainable manner. But how do you achieve this in practice?
The answer lies in a combination of data-driven working, supply chain transparency and close collaboration between all parties involved. A modern hiring partner no longer functions as a simple intermediary, but as a director of a complex ecosystem where suppliers, freelancers and clients meet.
The power of data
One of the key pillars of fair pricing is the use of up-to-date market data. By continuously benchmarking on the basis of thousands of ongoing and historical placements, a clear picture emerges of what a market-conform rate is for a specific role, region and level of experience. Think of software engineers, supervisors or business consultants: for each profile, minimum, median and maximum rates are available, based on solid figures.
This data is not only used to align rates in advance, but also to make adjustments during the process. Recruitment consultants assess each proposed rate against the agreed bandwidth and engage in discussions if there are deviations. This could be the case for instance with a freelancer who requests a higher rate due to specific certifications or with a supplier who can offer efficiency benefits with multiple placements.
Chain transparency as a foundation
Another crucial element is insight into the entire hiring chain. By limiting the number of links and establishing the margins and roles for each link, margin stacking is prevented. Every party in the chain – from supplier to professional – knows where they stand. This prevents surprises afterwards and strengthens trust between all parties involved. Professionals confirm their employment relationship with a personal statement, while suppliers provide insight into their rate structure. Everything is recorded in the hiring dossier, making the process not only transparent but also completely audit-proof.
Collaborating on market conformity
A fair rate setting is not a one-off exercise, but a continuous process. By having regular discussions between recruitment teams, suppliers and clients, deviations can be quickly identified and addressed. Real-time dashboards and monthly reports provide insight into trends, deviations, and improvement areas. This creates a learning organisation that becomes increasingly adept at finding the right balance between price, quality and availability.
And that is precisely the aim: a sustainable, future-proof approach in which professionals enjoy working, suppliers are fairly rewarded, and clients maintain control over their hiring. Transparency is not an end in itself, but a means to jointly build a healthy labour market.
See also
Administrative relief for faster and compliant hiring
Streamlined administrative support for fast and legally compliant hiring.
Find the right professional quickly and carefully
Read how to combine speed, market knowledge and personal attention for optimal matches.
How can you recruit staff? Tips & strategies for employers
In this blog, we share practical tips, smart strategies, and inspiring examples to enhance your recruitment process.