Upwork Policy Updates 2024: What Should Freelancers Expect?

Being a leading freelance platform Upwork is helping people around the globe earn their bread. However, in 2024 Upwork has introduced many new policies and most users are having a hard time accepting those updates.

In this article, we will discuss all Upwork Policy Updates in the first half of 2024. What these policies are, how they are impacting freelancers, and why they were released. To understand these policies better, it is important that you know how Upwork Connects work. 

All Upwork Policy Updates 2024

The following policy updates will help you understand what Upwork’s future plans look like. 

Only Eligible Freelancers Can Boost Proposals

Previously, anyone could boost their proposal by using a few extra Connects and reach the top of the client’s list. However, with this update launched in January 2024, Upwork will scan a profile and determine if it matches job requirements before allowing it to boost the proposal. 

While this would help overcome the problem of spam proposals, this might make things more difficult for new freelancers. Boosting proposals was the best bet for anyone who was new on Upwork as it is not easy to get a job using a fresh profile. Somehow, every freelancer will be impacted with this policy update. 

Freelance Plus Price Increased

Up until February 16th, 2024 Upwork offered freelancer plus subscription to users allowing them access to eighty Connects and some additional benefits like a customized profile URL, always available profile, viewing competitor bids on projects and more for $14.99/month. 

However, the cost for this subscription service was increased to $20/month and the number of Connects given were raised to hundred. This is another recent policy change that impacts every freelancer on the platform who seeks to gain advantage from this service. Upwork has now added AI assistance powered by GPT-4 to this service which is why the sudden price hike was seen. 

Direct Contract is Different Now

Upwork Direct Contract is when you bring a contract to Upwork with a client who was previously not working on Upwork. Such a contract has a lower Upwork service fee than usual contracts on Upwork. 

Previously, these contracts were only charged a 3.4% payment processing fee and no fee for platform service. That fee has now been replaced with a 5% platform service fee and there is no payment processing fee anymore. All in all, there is a 1.6% increase in charges for direct contracts. All existing direct contracts were impacted when this policy was updated in March 2024. 

Displaying Connects Required For a Job

Connects required to apply for each job are no longer displayed on the search results page next to each job. Upwork is trying to ensure that freelancers prioritize job description over the cost of the job before making a decision to apply for the job. 

While this does make sense to some extent, some job costs are a no-go zone for some freelancers and this may be a big turn-off for them. This policy update from March 2024 is a test from Upwork and it impacts every freelancer. 

Changes in Enterprise Dashboard

The Dashboard for Enterprise Customers on Upwork is upgraded. This is a significant update as it enhances the user experience for enterprise customers. They will now see a carousel of company hires, BYO talent, and saved talent. Through this carousel companies can rehire or access any talent they have previously worked with. 

Company quick links are also introduced and can be activated after putting in a request with Upwork support. It allows you to create custom quick links in the Settings section and easily access the company's hiring processes and guidelines directly from the Enterprise Dashboard, making it simpler to navigate and hire on Upwork.

Uma, Upwork’s Mindful AI

The world is shifting to AI and Upwork decided to jump on the bandwagon. Upwork launched its AI-assistant to help client’s post jobs, filter and hire talent, and complete payments. 

For freelancers, Uma is there to help them get their work done faster. To access this feature from the spring update you need to join the waiting list. 

Boosted Profile Relevancy

With AI now involved in Upwork, we can expect the platform to be smarter. All freelancers with boosted profile ad campaigns will now more likely appear to clients with more relevant job opportunities. This saves a lot of time for job posters and for freelancers as well so they do not waste time trying to look for a job in the wrong place. 

Proposal Costs

Upwork has stated that they are changing the way each job is valued against the number of Connects required to apply for it. According to Upwork, the new costing model will take into account factors like market demand for the job. 

Although, it is not clearly stated if users should expect a slight increase in job costs or not but it does sound like a sugar-coated price hike considering what other updates are. This update will heavily impact every freelancer on the platform in terms of job search, applications and more. 

Feedback Removal Policy

Top-rated and Top-Rated freelancers had the leisure of removing client feedback from their profile. Which means, no negative feedback on their profile. However, Upwork has decided to take that benefit away claiming that this will increase the integrity of their platform. 

As a result, clients will be able to analyze and make a more informed decision when hiring their next freelancer. 

While these policies may or may not work in your favor, Elevate Pay as your Upwork payment method will be a big upgrade. 

Why Switch to Elevate Pay for Upwork Payments?

If you are located in an emerging freelance market like Bangladesh or Pakistan, Elevate Pay is for you. By offering a US based USD account sponsored by Bangor Savings Bank, Upwork allows anyone to deposit money to Elevate Pay for free - meaning there's $0 charge for sending your Upwork earnings to Elevate Pay. 

Setting up Elevate Pay as your Upwork payout method is simple and you also don’t have to worry about local currency inflation rate as you can keep your savings as USD in your Elevate Pay account as long as you need to. Avail the benefits of a USD account by downloading the iOS or Android app. 

Conclusion

All recent Upwork policy updates show the platform is inclining towards use of AI for a smarter and more efficient approach to things. It also looks like things are moving more in favor of clients and help them find the right match for their job easily. In all this, freelancers can benefit with smoother payment operations using Elevate Pay.