Announced today, oDesk Staffing gives U.S.-based freelancers access to group health coverage options, retirement plans and education savings accounts, in addition to the automatic billing and guaranteed payment enjoyed by all oDesk users. The new service also lets businesses take advantage of oDesk’s guaranteed accurate billing and overall savings on contractor hiring costs, while maintaining compliance with IRS regulations in wide range of contract work scenarios.

Freelancers, Get Access to Benefits

“Previously, freelancers have not had access to affordable and robust benefits options, including health insurance. Today, oDesk Staffing changes that – with benefits packages that are accessible, affordable and comparable to those typically being offered by full-time employers.” – Gary Swart, oDesk CEO

oDesk Staffing provides freelancers:

• Access to Benefits – Get affordable group health and retirement benefits, without the coverage limits or pre-existing condition restrictions of individual plans.
• Flexibility – Work on the jobs you choose, set your own hours, and work within or outside of oDesk Staffing to suit your needs.
• Guaranteed Payment – Take advantage of oDesk’s payment assurance that you will be paid for every hour worked, with the proven hassle-free billing and payment collection system provided by oDesk Team.

All U.S.-based freelancers can work via oDesk Staffing , and U.S.-based employers can manage staff through the service.  Freelancers that average at least 30 hours per week through oDesk Staffing — whether for one client or multiple companies — are eligible to participate in the group health plans and other benefits.

Freelancers interested in oDesk Staffing? Visit: http://benefits.odesk.com or contact us at getbenefits@odesk.com.

Employers, Verify Work for Both Contractors and Staff

“With oDesk Staffing , companies can take advantage of oDesk’s unique system to hire, manage and pay across a wider range of work scenarios. The benefits of oDesk’s tools for independent contractors are now available for those hiring under W-2 classification, as well.” – Gary Swart, oDesk CEO

For businesses, oDesk Staffing brings:

• Cost Savings – Less expensive than hiring through a traditional staffing agency.
• Flexibility – Use oDesk’s high-visibility management tools for both independent contractors (1099) and leased employees (W-2).
• Billing Accuracy Guarantee – Improve visibility, accountability and productivity with oDesk’s assurance that every hour billed is an hour worked.
• Access to Benefits – Offer workers access to affordable, competitive group benefits plans.

Businesses interested in oDesk Staffing? Visit: http://staffing.odesk.com or contact us at w2@odesk.com.

Needless to say, we’re excited to bring this service to freelancers and businesses – it’s all the benefits of full-time work, with the flexibility of freelancing! Got feedback on our latest offering? Please let us know at feedback.odesk.com.