03 carolyn b. ockels independent workforce ec crev

Emergent Research

www.emergentresearch.com

The State of Independents The State of Independents

Carolyn Ockels: Managing PartnerSteve King: Partner


Independent Worker Study Background and MethodologyIndependent Worker Study Background and Methodology

Emergent Research worked with MBO Partners & Rockbridge Associates to:

•Conduct a study to:– Determine the number of independent workers in the U.S.– Understand their motivations for working independently– Profile the independent workforce, including their businesses/roles, industries,

geography, demographics

•Two surveys were conducted:– 1,144 screening surveys with residents of the U.S. of which the results were used

to size the independent workforce (margin of error: +/-3%)– 601 surveys with independent workers to profile their motivations and

characteristics (margin of error: +/-4%)– Data was weighted to reflect the demographics of the U.S.

•Additionally, independent workers were profiled for more qualitative understanding of the independent’s mindset and motivations

•Secondary research on global trends for independent workforce to understand how U.S. findings compare with global paradigm


Independent Workforce Large and Growing in the EU and U.S.

Independent Workforce Large and Growing in the EU and U.S.

• The EU has 32 million self-employed

– 23 million freelancers

• The U.S. has 30-35 million independent workers

– 16 million work 15+ hours per week as independents

• Trends driving growth of independent workforce are similar for U.S and Europe

U.S EU

Use Contingents 55% 33%

Consider Strategic 50% 23%

% of companies

Source: Manpower


There are 16 Million Independent Workers in the U.S.There are 16 Million Independent Workers in the U.S.

• Our Definition:– Ages 21+– Work 15+ hours a week

• Independent Job Status:– Freelancer– Contractor– Temp– Fixed Term Contract– On-call– Self-Employed

Expert Workers Workers

70%11,164,785

30%4,762,155


Most Independent Workers Choose Independence

Most Independent Workers Choose Independence


Why Do Independent Workers LikeBeing Independent?

Why Do Independent Workers LikeBeing Independent?


Independent Workers are Satisfied With Their Work

Independent Workers are Satisfied With Their Work

.


75% of Independent Workers Plan to Stay Independent

75% of Independent Workers Plan to Stay Independent


With Independence Comes Responsibilityand Challenges

With Independence Comes Responsibilityand Challenges


28 Million Americans Anticipate Becoming Independent

(over the next 24 months)

28 Million Americans Anticipate Becoming Independent

(over the next 24 months)


Our Forecast: Over 20 Million U.S. Independent Workers in 2013

Our Forecast: Over 20 Million U.S. Independent Workers in 2013

• The Global Shift to Independent Work is Structural

– Companies want and need:• Workforce flexibility• Lower costs

– Lack of satisfaction with traditional jobs– It’s cheaper and easier to become independent– Demographic and social shifts

• Aging boomers, Gen Y, women, unretirement, work/life balance, localism, multi-generational housing, flexibility …


What This Means for CoworkingWhat This Means for Coworking

• Increased demand for flexible workplaces

• Coworking sites can solve challenges faced by independents by providing:

– Business infrastructure– Training– Social environment– Business Networking & Collaboration

Career

03 carolyn b. ockels independent workforce ec crev