Our biggest clients use the Upwork Enterprise Compliance Solution, where the Compliance Team reviews each contract offer to confirm if it’s suitable for an independent contractor.
These factors include:
- Freelancer country location
- Strength of the freelancer’s business
- How the project will be completed, specifically how much the client will control how the work will be done
To quicken the compliance review process for the freelancer, we’re now capturing the strength of the freelancer’s business before they receive a contract offer.
Freelancers will be able to answer 7 questions about their business, which includes uploading a document that confirms their business. These are existing questions that are asked during the Compliance Review (also known as ‘onboarding’), which we’ve improved by:
- Reducing the # of questions
- Rewording for clarity
- Providing additional guidance to freelancers right away
If the freelancer completes the questionnaire, we will let them know if they passed (e.g. “Enterprise Ready”) or not in a few instances:
- If they pass - the responses are valid for 1 year and applied to any future project with an Enterprise client
- If they did not pass - the freelancer can update their response after 60 days if they receive a new contract offer from an Enterprise client
Being “Enterprise Ready” does NOT mean that all contracts that the freelancer does is considered for an ‘independent contractor’. Classification also depends on the type of the project and client location
It is possible that a FL may receive a direct email from someone at Upwork in regards to this questionnaire. Typically, the questionnaire is updated directly through the site during the onboarding process after an offer is sent to the FL from an Enterprise CL. However, as we’re trying to have these updated before an offer is sent to help expedite the process for both parties, the FL may receive an email with some links to get them started on updating. This is a valid email from Upwork and they must be logged in their account to access the links.
Are freelancers required to complete this questionnaire ahead of time?
Thanks for your question. If you are a freelancer, it is completely up to you whether and when you fill out the questionnaire. However, you will be required to answer the questions if you wish to begin a contract with an Upwork client who uses our Enterprise Compliance services. This option just allows you to be “Enterprise Ready” by completing the questionnaire in advance. That way, if you are offered a contract by an Enterprise client, the review will be completed faster.
Why would a freelancer want to complete this questionnaire in advance?
Thanks for reaching out. Completing the questionnaire in advance allows you to be “Enterprise Ready.” This means that an Enterprise client who is eager to get started on their project knows you have already taken care of this important step, which is required when you begin a contract with an Enterprise Compliance client. Also, once we know you’re Enterprise Ready, we can highlight your profile to these clients when your skills match their needs (we send out a shortlist of freelancers when a client posts a job). This means you may see more opportunities on Upwork.
What happens if the freelancer is ‘Enterprise Ready”?
Thanks for your question. If you are “Enterprise Ready,” it means that you have one less thing to complete if you are hired by an Upwork client who uses our Enterprise Compliance services. Also, since you have shown you have a freelance business, we can highlight your profile to these clients when your skills match their needs (we send out a shortlist of suggested freelancers when a client posts a job). This means you may see more opportunities on Upwork.
What happens if the freelancer is not “Enterprise Ready”?
Thanks for reaching out. Every contract is different, but for some contracts, if you are not “Enterprise Ready,” it means that you may need to be enrolled in Upwork Payroll to meet the needs of an Upwork Enterprise client on certain projects.
How can I (a freelancer) review my questionnaire responses?
Thanks for your question. Responses can be reviewed by logging into your Upwork account and then clicking here: www.upwork.com/ab/enterprise-compliance/read-only-flq
What if I don’t qualify as an independent contractor after taking the questionnaire and I cannot be considered Enterprise Ready?
Thanks for your question. If you don’t have sufficient proof of your freelance business after completing the questionnaire, you may still be able to work with a Upwork Enterprise client. For some projects, you may need to sign up for Upwork Payroll. For resources on growing your business, check out the Upwork Blog and our Business Resources page.
If after completing the questionnaire it’s determined I’m not “Enterprise Ready,” when can I try again?
Thanks for your question. Usually, it takes a few months for a freelancer’s business to change significantly enough to be considered Enterprise Ready. After a few months, if you win a contract with an Enterprise client, you’ll be able to update your answers again during the compliance review process.
What happens if a freelancer starts a questionnaire, does not complete it, but then gets a contract offer?
Thanks for your question. Your responses are saved, so you will be able to continue where you left off.
What if a freelancer has multiple contract offers and completes the questionnaire for one offer?
Thanks for your question. Your responses are valid for one year and your answers will apply to any other Enterprise client. You’ll be prompted to update your responses after a year.
Why are you asking questions about the # of clients and earnings %?
Thanks for reaching out. This information helps us learn more about your freelance business. Note: Have questions about running your freelance business? Please contact a tax expert or trusted advisor to learn more about your individual situation.
Internal for CS Agents:
What if a customer receives this email about submitting documents, but they say there's no way to submit their info OR they just send the documents straight to CS?
If they receive the email shown here, if they click "Provide Business Details", it should bring them to a place to upload their information. If it does not or they don't have a link, please ask the customer to send their documents to tc@upwork.com.
