Value-Based Pricing for HR Consultants: A Win-Win-Win for Everyone
Day rates are everywhere – familiar, simple, easy. But for HR consultants, they can actually be a bit… limiting.
They tie your income to time, not impact. They make it easy for clients to compare you on cost alone. And they risk undervaluing the judgement, experience, and problem-solving magic you bring.
That’s why value-based pricing can be a game-changer. It’s fair for you, clear for your clients, and ensures the work really delivers. Basically, a win-win-win π
Why charging based on day rates can be tricky
Day rates focus on hours, not outcomes. That can:
- reduce strategic HR work to a simple “cost per day” comparison
- make preventative or tricky work harder to justify
- reward time spent rather than problems solved
For clients, that means paying for effort rather than results. For you, it undervalues your expertise.
Why value-based pricing works for everyone
Value-based pricing flips the conversation. You’re not selling hours — you’re selling outcomes, impact, and real results.
- For clients: clarity, confidence, and measurable results
- For you: pricing that actually reflects your expertise
- For the work itself: problems get solved properly, not just patched
Everyone walks away happier. That’s the dream, right?
How to make it practical
You don’t need to ditch day rates overnight. Try this simple reframing:
1. Acknowledge the question
“I can share a day rate, but it’s usually more helpful to look at the outcome you need first.”
2. Clarify the problem
Ask what’s happening, what’s at stake, and what a successful result looks like.
3. Frame the work as a result
Describe what changes – fewer risks, smoother processes, calmer leaders – not just what you’ll do.
4. Anchor the fee to the outcome
“For that piece of work, my fee would be £X.”
5. Keep a fallback
If a day rate is needed for internal approvals:
“I can provide one, but I always price based on the outcome rather than hours.”
Why it works
Value-based pricing helps everyone see the magic of HR work. Conversations feel easier, work feels more strategic, and results stick.
When your pricing reflects the difference you make, everyone wins – consultant, client, and outcome β¨
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Tap into the gighrly community of freelance HR experts. If you’re looking to fill a short-term HR role, whether it’s interim cover, project support or specialist expertise, you don’t need to rely on expensive recruitment agencies or wait weeks for results. There’s a faster, smarter way. Meet gighrly. We’re a curated community of independent HR consultants, each with a proven track record in delivering results for clients across every industry. From TUPE and restructures to culture change and employee relations, our members have done it all. Why post your gig on gighrly? Speed No long lead times. Get your role in front of available consultants quickly. Specialist experience We’re all about HR. No generalists. No fluff. Just real expertise from dedicated people. Real relationships Connect directly with consultants who care about quality, client fit, and getting the best outcomes for you. No middlemen No commission. No inflated rates. Just straightforward, honest hiring. What kinds of roles can you post? Maternity/long-term leave cover Project-based roles (e.g., policy refreshes, audits, training) Support for restructures, investigations, or change programmes Fractional/part-time HR leadership Short-term surge support during peak periods What does it cost? We don't believe in percentage fees, so we charge a flat fee based on your needs. Because, our members are our world, and we’re here to help them prosper by securing great gigs with great companies (like you!) So, rather than milking it, we believe in win-win-win. You get a great HR pro, they get a great gig and we get something for our efforts. All we ask is that your request is genuine and that you don’t ghost our members. If you’re happy to honour that, and want access to a high-quality pool of experienced HR professionals, come and talk to us! π― Ready to post your opportunity? Head to www.gighrly.com/for-clients , fill in the sho rt form, and we’ll share it with our members. Let’s get your gig filled by someone who really gets it.
Time: it’s the one thing we all wish we had more of! Whether you’re running a business, juggling multiple gigs, or just trying to stay on top of life, making the most of your time is a game-changer. But optimising your time shouldn't be about cramming in more tasks, it should be about working smarter. So let's explore some practical ways to boost productivity, cut out time-wasters, and create space for what truly matters. 1. Focus on What Actually Matters Not everything on your to-do list is a must -do! Some tasks drive real results, while others just keep you busy. The key to becoming a time-optimisation master is to prioritise high-impact activities and stop sweating the small stuff. Start by identifying your big wins - i.e., the tasks that directly contribute to your goals. If something doesn’t move the needle, ask yourself: does this really need my time and energy? If not, delegate or drop it. πPro Tip : Use the 80/20 rule: spend 80% of your time on the 20% of tasks that create the biggest impact . 2. Boss it at Planning Winging can get you so far, until you realise you’ve spent the day putting out fires instead of making progress. A simple plan can help you stay ahead and stress less. Try setting daily intentions rather than just a to-do list. What are the top three things you need to accomplish today? This keeps you focused and prevents you from drowning in endless tasks. π Pro Tip : Before logging off, jot down tomorrow’s top three priorities . Your future self will thank you! 3. Cut Out Time-sucking Gremlins We all have ‘em… those sneaky little distractions that steal our time. Social media scrolling, back-to-back meetings, email black holes, and before you know it, another day’s over! The trick is to identify your biggest time-wasters and actively manage them . Batch-check emails instead of reacting to them all day - removing notifications will help. Set no-meeting hours. Use website blockers if social media is your kryptonite. Small changes make a huge difference - you’ve got this! π« Pro Tip : Try the Pomodoro technique: Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break . It keeps you sharp and focused! 4. Delegate, Automate, and Free Yourself! Here’s the truth: you don’t have to do everything yourself . Whether it’s outsourcing admin work, using scheduling tools, or setting up automations, finding ways to take tasks off your plate will free up valuable time. Start small and pick just one thing to delegate or automate this week . Maybe it’s using a calendar booking system instead of manually scheduling meetings or hiring a virtual assistant for repetitive tasks. The more you offload, the more time you gain. β‘ Pro Tip : If a task doesn’t require your unique skill set, it’s a prime candidate for delegation! 5. Set Boundaries Like a Pro Can’t stop saying yes to everything? That’s a fast track to burnout. Protecting your time means learning to say 'no', setting clear boundaries , and making sure your schedule works for you , not against you. Start by blocking out focus time in your calendar (some AI based calendars will do this for you nowadays), setting email response hours , and politely declining tasks that don’t align with your goals . Remember, every ‘yes’ to something unimportant is a ‘no’ to something that matters. π
βοΈ Pro Tip : Try this magic phrase: "I’d love to, but I don’t have the bandwidth right now." It’s polite but firm. ο»Ώ Final Thought: Work Smarter, Not Harder Time optimisation isn’t about packing in more , it’s about making what you do count . Prioritise what matters , plan ahead , cut distractions , and delegate wherever possible . The more intentional you are with your time, the more you’ll get done without the stress. Ready to take control of your time and become an optimisation pro? Start small, build momentum, and watch the magic happen! π Now go and make the most of your time! π
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