Number of ‘Independent Workers’ Jumps 34% in 2021: MBO Partners Report
The number of independent workers in America rose by 34% in 2021 to 51.1 million […]
The number of independent workers in America rose by 34% in 2021 to 51.1 million with this year’s economic recovery and better management of the pandemic fueling the surge, according to a preview MBO Partners’ 11th annual “State of Independence in America.” This year’s increase comes after the number of independent workers fell by 7% last year.
MBO Partners defines independent workers as consultants, freelancers, contractors, solopreneurs, microbusiness owners, temporary and on-call workers.
The number of full-time independent workers grew by 25% while the number of part-time independent workers rose 39%. In addition, the number of independent workers who work occasionally (regularly, but without set hours per week) rose by 51%.
In addition, 73% of those who started working as part-time independents in the last year did so to supplement their income, according to the report. And 40% of those who became independent workers in the prior year said they use an online platform to find new customers, up from 27% in 2020.
The report is based on a July survey of 6,240 residents of the US ages 18 and up. Of those, 928 were independent workers.
MBO Partners noted the full report will be coming out this fall.
Other findings released today:
- 63% of independent workers say working independently was their choice completely. 77% are highly satisfied, the highest level of satisfaction in the report’s 11 years of data.
- 68% of full-time independent workers say that working independently is more secure than having a traditional job.
Original Article: https://www2.staffingindustry.com/Editorial/Daily-News/Number-of-independent-workers-jumps-34-in-2021-MBO-Partners-report-58885
