For the last 6 months we've been partnering with MBO Partners (www.mbopartners.com) on a deep dive research project on independent workers - freelancers, contractors, temps, solopreneurs, etc.
The results of the first phase of the study (there’s a report and a slide presentation) are at: http://info.mbopartners.com/mboindependentworkforceindex-2011.html There's also a nice infographic at: http://info.mbopartners.com/whoaretheindependents Some of the key findings include: - There are about 16 million US independent workers today and the numbers will likely grow to over 20 million over the next 2 years. - Independent workers are satisfied: 58% of independent workers stated that they are highly satisfied with their work situation. Only 6% are highly dissatisfied. 36% were neutral. - Most chose independence: 55% of independent workers say it was their proactive choice to become independent. Relatively few (15%) said it was entirely due to factors beyond their control (job loss, etc.) - Most Plan on Staying Independent: 75% indicated that they will continue working as an independent worker and/or grow and become an employer business. Only 19% of the respondents said they plan on seeking a traditional job over the next 24 months. - The Rewards of Independence Come with Risks: While highly satisfied, independent workers feel their path is riskier than traditional employment and they are worried about their future. Respondents were most concerned about a lack of predicable income (56%), job pipeline worries (46%) and planning for retirement (46%). This research relates back to coworking in several ways. Obviously, this is a large and growing potential market segment for coworking. About half (48%) of this group works primarily from home and 21% of the survey respondents listed social isolation as a problem with working independently. More broadly, while independent workers enjoy their freedom, flexibility and control, they also are burdened by the responsibilities of being on their own. Coworking offers a way to reduce some of those burdens for a modest cost. We'll have more on the study - which is continuing - in the near future. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Coworking" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en.
