Is this decision more complex than a simple calculation?
Every situation has its own nuances that the spreadsheet doesn't always capture. Let's discuss this directly together.
Is a consultant really more expensive than an employee?
A consultant's daily rate can often be daunting. But once you add up an employee's total compensation, vacation time, hiring costs, training, and hidden costs, the comparison changes. Our Excel simulator does the full calculation for you in just a few minutes.
Excel file · Free · Received immediately by email
"Too expensive." Really?
Comparing a consultant and an employee based solely on the visible rate is like comparing apples and oranges. An employee’s gross salary represents only a portion of their actual cost: employer contributions, vacation pay, 13th-month bonus, group insurance, recruitment costs, downtime, training, equipment, administrative overhead… all of which never appear on a pay stub but weigh heavily on the total annual cost.
What You Get
- The actual cost of an employee —the spreadsheet adds up gross salary, employer contributions, non-mandatory benefits, vacation pay, and the 13th-month bonus to reveal the total employer cost, not just the listed salary.
- The true cost of a consultant —daily rate, number of days, and assignment duration: you get the total cost over the period, without social security contributions or long-term commitments to set aside.
- Side-by-side comparison —both scenarios are displayed side by side, with the actual difference in euros.
- The break-even point —the simulator calculates the break-even threshold: the point at which hiring an employee becomes more cost-effective than hiring a consultant, and vice versa.
- Customizable to your numbers —adjust the assumptions (salary, rate, duration, social security contribution rate), and the result updates in real time.
Three steps, five minutes
- Enter your contact information and receive the Excel file via email immediately.
- Enter your figures: projected salary, consultant rate, and assignment duration.
- Review the numerical comparison and make an informed decision based on the data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the simulator really free?
Yes, it's 100% free. Just enter your contact information to receive it immediately by email.
In what format will I receive it?
A ready-to-use Excel file (.xlsx) that is automatically sent to your email inbox as soon as you submit the form.
What costs does the simulator take into account?
For employees: gross salary, employer contributions, vacation pay, 13th-month bonus, fringe benefits, and recruitment and training costs. For consultants: daily rate, number of days, and assignment duration.
What is the break-even point?
This is the point at which one option becomes more advantageous than the other. The simulator automatically calculates this based on your figures to pinpoint the exact break-even point for your project.
Who is this tool intended for?
For HR, Finance, and Procurement decision-makers who want to objectively evaluate the trade-offs between hiring an employee and engaging a consultant, backed by data.