Treating freelancers like employees is crucial for building long-term productive relationships. Flexibility is key, as it allows freelancers to work efficiently and effectively, and also provides them with the autonomy to choose clients and projects that align with their values and goals. Unlike employees, who are paid a fixed amount of time regardless of productivity, freelancers rely on maximum productivity to deliver high-quality work and maximize earnings. To foster a mutually beneficial relationship, companies should create separate workflows for freelancers, sign retainer agreements, and provide clear project objectives and requirements. By adopting this mindset and approach, organizations can tap into the flexibility, energy, and substantial contributions that freelancers offer, while minimizing unnecessary costs and churn.