Study: 94% of workers are open to non-traditional work arrangements

Dive Brief:

Results from a new ManpowerGroup survey show that 94% of workers are open to non-traditional forms of work. The global workforce solutions company compiled data from more than 9,500 people in 12 countries.
The results report, "Gig Responsibly: The Rise of NextGen Work," examines the growth of various non-traditional work arrangements, including part-time, contingent, contract, temporary, freelance, flex and others. Results from the report show that, for 81% of respondents, non-traditional work arrangements are a choice, rather than a necessity.
Additionally, 80% of boomers (ages 50 to 65) would consider working as independent contractors and freelancers. Respondents from this age group also said they valued quality over quantity in their work and want meaningful work, including recognition for good performance.

Dive Insight:

The growing number of people who find "NextGen" work both viable and desirable as a career option isn't surprising. Although the number of people expected to join the gig economy varies by source, most predict explosive growth in this and similar forms of work within the next five years.

The supply and demand sides of the gig economy are synchronizing. As more workers consider the gig work option, more companies are looking to independent contractors, freelancers and consultants for expertise. A new Mavenlink study found that 79% of executives want to hire gig workers.

According to Mavenlink, boomers are driving the gig economy, which favors skilled, experienced workers. The drawback is that the number of employers who want to hire gig workers is nearly as great as the number who lack the mechanisms and policies to accommodate them. This will need to change for independent workers to stay employed and for employers to benefit from the cost-effectiveness of their services.

There also are compliance concerns that come with non-traditional work. Employers will want to pay attention to the legal disputes surrounding independent contractor and gig arrangements moving forward as courts weigh in and lawmakers consider legislative updates.