How can organizations affect the working conditions and work experiences of freelancers: A case study in the Danish publishing industry

Sammanfattning: The working conditions of freelancers are widely debated as the flexibilization of labor markets has resulted in more insecure labor. On one side of the debate, flexibilization of the labor market in the cultural industries is seen as an important driver of economic growth. This optimistic perspective emphasizes that individuals can develop themselves in creative and autonomous careers. The other side of the debate is critical towards freelancing and flexible labor markets, as they argue that it is exploitative and freelancers endure high levels of precarity and isolation. The aim of this study is to gain insight into what role organizations can play in affecting working conditions and work experiences of freelancers in cultural industries. On the basis of ten interviewers with both employees and freelancers working for a major Danish publisher, we have found that organizations may not be able to fundamentally change the hardships of freelancing, however they can, make significant improvements towards freelancers’ working conditions and work experiences. In particular, we argue that they can improve on four areas: the experienced precarity, as well as the experienced isolation, the inclusion into the creative process and recognition of freelancers' work. Overall, our research provides insight in the consequences of flexible labor markets and what this means on an organizational level in the cultural industries. Ultimately, we seek to advance the practical understanding of freelancing and offer insights that could potentially help organizations that work with freelancers.