- For 54% surveyed in the Adecco Group research joining the gig economy is a lifestyle and career choice
- Gig economy attracting highly-skilled, experienced professionals
- Governments and companies must do more to unleash full potential of gig economy
- The Adecco Group’s YOSS freelancer market place went live today in France
Zurich, Switzerland, November 14, 2017: More skilled professionals are rejecting the 9-5 and embracing the gig economy as a long-term career and lifestyle choice according to global research by the Adecco Group and LinkedIn.
The study Flexible Working: a career and life-style pathway supports evidence that we are entering a new economic era where flexible working is becoming an attractive part of the status quo, rather than a stopgap solution.
The Adecco Group research found that 54 percent of independent workers had embraced flexible working by choice to meet their personal needs and goals. Only 36 percent regarded it as a stopgap between direct, permanent roles.
About 15 million contractors are currently active in the US and Europe. According to LinkedIn data, a great share of those now forging careers in the gig economy are highly-skilled professionals, who are in part looking to achieve a healthier work-life balance. 91% of the independent workers’ profiles on the social network are in their middle to late careers.”.
Furthermore, the Adecco Group’s research also revealed that 82 percent of 18-26 year olds in flexible work aspired to be in independent employment, with 89 percent seeing it as a long-term career path.
“Flexible working offers a huge and exciting opportunity for everyone in a rapidly-changing world of work. The emerging gig economy has the potential to grow to three times the size of the temporary staffing market,” said the Adecco Group CEO Alain Dehaze.
“However, much more has to be done at policy level to support independent workers, from fairer legislation and social benefits to providing better training. Flexible workers are shaping the future of the work. It is time to dispel the myths, remove the barriers and help them get there.”
The Adecco Group is urging government and corporate policy to provide the same rights and conditions for flexible workers as those enjoyed by direct, permanent employees, especially in areas such as social benefits, annual leave, pensions and insurance.
Today, YOSS – a pioneering digital marketplace developed with Microsoft to connect freelancers and large companies – went live in France. YOSS gives freelancers access to the world’s biggest companies, guaranteed payment within 72 hours, opt-ins to social benefits and end-to-end administration. Backed by two industry leaders, YOSS offers companies access to freelancer talent, visibility of spending, best-in-class compliance and data protection.
Download here the survey ‘Flexible Working - A career and lifestyle pathway’
Download here the global infographic
For further information please contact:
The Adecco Group Press Office
Press.office@adecco.com or +41 (0) 44 878 87 87
adeccogroup.com
Facebook: facebook.com/theadeccogroup
Twitter: @AdeccoGroup
About ‘Flexible working: a career building and lifestyle pathway’
The study draws on three previously unpublished surveys conducted by the Adecco Group and LinkedIn:
- The Adecco Group’s Global Survey, which in spring 2017 asked 102,160 company associates in 38 countries and 48 business units their motivations for engaging in short term employment;
- “Understanding What Working Independently Means” – a qualitative survey, undertaken by InSites Consulting on behalf of the Adecco Group, which asked 90 people aged 18-26, who came from every global region, about their views of independent work and independent workers; and
- LinkedIn’s analysis of 4 million members, in the same 38 countries, who have: self-identified as contractors; indicated they are looking for contracting work; or were identified by LinkedIn’s proprietary algorithm as being contractors – based on profile elements and job seeking patterns that suggest engagement in short-term, professional engagements outside of full-time employment. The profiles analyzed were a representative subset of the full contractor member base on LinkedIn, with sufficiently complete profiles to take part in the study. The analysis looked at aggregated data from LinkedIn on these members’ demographics, professional and academic backgrounds, skills, and engagement within the platform - as well as professional ambitions captured from LinkedIn’s annual member survey “LinkedIn Global Talent Trends.” This information was also compared to a demographically similar group of professionals with open-ended employment contracts.
About the Adecco Group
The Adecco Group is the world’s leading workforce solutions partner. We provide more than 700,000 people with permanent and flexible employment every day. With more than 33,000 employees in 60 countries, we transform the world of work one job at a time. Our colleagues serve more than 100,000 organizations with the talent, HR services and cutting-edge technology they need to succeed in an ever-changing global economy. As a Fortune Global 500 company, we lead by example, creating shared value that meets social needs while driving business innovation. Our culture of inclusivity, fairness and teamwork empowers individuals and organizations, fuels economies, and builds better societies. These values resonate with our employees, who voted us number 2 on the Great Place to Work® - World’s Best Workplaces 2017 list. We make the future work for everyone.
The Adecco Group is based in Zurich, Switzerland. Adecco Group AG is registered in Switzerland (ISIN: CH0012138605) and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ADEN). The group is powered by seven lead brands: Adecco, Modis, Badenoch & Clark, Spring Professional, Lee Hecht Harrison, Pontoon , Adia and YOSS.
About LinkedIn
LinkedIn is the world's largest professional network online with more than 530 million users in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. Founded in 2003, LinkedIn connects the world's professionals to make them more productive and successful.
LinkedIn Talent Solutions unlocks insights from the world’s largest community of open professionals to empower businesses to efficiently target, attract and convert the right talent. Our products and tools help talent professionals source and find quality talent, expand the reach of jobs and build an impactful employer brand.
Learn more about LinkedIn Talent Solutions at https://business.linkedin.com/talent-solutions