Insights for employers
Movement in the ecosystem
Motivations for switching employment types
The Salesforce ecosystem offers a wide range of career paths, from in-house roles to consulting, freelancing, and even employment at Salesforce itself. This flexibility is one of the things that makes the Salesforce universe so appealing to professionals looking for diverse work experiences.
While many find their professional niche and happily stick to it, others might feel the need for a change of scenery. Contractors may find themselves craving the stability of a permanent position, while employees in permanent roles might want to explore the freedom and flexibility of consulting.
When organizations are looking to hire Salesforce talent, they might overlook the vast pool of freelance professionals. But the fact is that there are many factors that might tempt a contractor to take on a permanent role, like increased job security, consistent income, company benefits, and opportunities for career progression within a structured environment.
Understanding the factors that might motivate a contractor to ‘go perm’ is crucial for organizations that want to attract top talent. By identifying the motivations of contractors, employers can craft compelling job offers that significantly expand their talent pool.
Motivation to move from a permanent role to freelancing
Almost a third (32%, up 1% from our previous study) of permanent professionals tell us that they would consider switching to freelance/contract work in the coming year.
Reasons for this include:
Higher earning potential
Flexibility in lifestyle
Working on different projects
| Being your own boss | |
| Exposure to the latest technology | |
| Ability to claim expenses against tax | |
| Not sure | |
| Other |
Those respondents who would move to freelancing for the higher earning potential would want, on average, a 33% increase in their earnings to make the switch.
Why aren't professionals considering contract working?
The 41% (down from 43% in our last survey) of Salesforce professionals who would not consider working as a freelancer cited reasons including:
Motivation to move from freelancing to a permanent role
Two-fifths (40%, up from 36% in our last survey) of freelancers that responded to the survey would consider switching to a permanent role in the coming year.
The factors most likely to attract a contractor to a permanent role include:
| Company’s values and culture align to my own | 55% |
| A generous benefits package | 50% |
| Remote working option | 35% |
| Valuable work/feeling like your work will make a positive impact | 30% |
| Career progression opportunities | 25% |
| A senior role with more responsibilities | 25% |
| Flexible/agile working | 15% |
| Less admin (e.g. time spent finding next project, interviewing, and filing taxes) | 15% |
| To avoid the breaks between contracts | 10% |
| Changes to my personal circumstance | 10% |
| Other | 5% |
Why wouldn't freelancers consider a permanent role?
Of the 24% (down from 36%) of contractors who would not consider undertaking a permanent role in the coming year, their reasons include:
Conclusion
The number of Salesforce freelancers open to permanent roles is increasing, creeping up slightly from 36% last year to 40% this year. While small, this bump represents the growth of a valuable talent pool for employers looking for new talent acquisition avenues.
So how do employers get skilled, experienced contractors to join their in-house teams? With freelancers naming stability and job security (80%) as the biggest benefit of a permanent role, organizations should be emphasizing company stability and future prospects to play on this key motivation.
Almost a quarter (24%) of freelancers who wouldn’t consider a permanent role say that they value the flexibility and autonomy that comes with contracting too much to give up working for themselves. While you’re not going to win over every contractor, offering remote work and other flexible work arrangements can be a powerful incentive that reassures professionals they won’t have to sign away their independence.
Crafting the right combination of stability, career growth, and flexibility can make a permanent role appealing. And that starts with understanding contractors’ priorities so employers can create compelling offers that bridge the gap between freelance and full-time work.
MASON FRANK’S
CAREERS AND HIRING GUIDE
KEY FINDINGS 2025
