New research from ManpowerGroup finds that more people are turning towards alternative work methods, over traditional, permanent employment. Could the gig economy be the demise of the traditional 9 to 5?
#GigResponsibly: The Rise of NextGen Work—a global survey of 9,500 people in 12 countries finds NextGen work: part-time, freelance, contract, temporary, or independent contract work—is on the rise.
More than 80% of workers say NextGen Work is a choice, not a last resort, and builds resilience for less predictable futures. As regulators around the world grapple with how Uber, Lyft, Deliveroo, and others are transforming the world of work, ManpowerGroup calls for policy makers to continue to ensure the protection of people but not through the prevention of emerging models of alternative work.
“We have said for some time that what people want from work is changing,” said Hans Leentjes, Vice President of the World Employment Confederation and Vice President External Affairs for ManpowerGroup, in a press release. “Not everyone wants to engage as a full-time employee and organizations don’t always want that either.”
Fear Not! The Gig Economy Hasn’t Taken Over Yet!
“While the uberization of work grabs the headlines, the number of people working in gigs is still only a small part of the labor force. However, those seeking flexible, non-traditional ways of working are significantly greater. It’s time for regulators and businesses to better understand how people want to participate. Flexibility, responsibility and employment security are not mutually exclusive,” said Leentjes.
The report outlines how policy makers need to develop new ways to enable people to gig responsibly and help people combine the choice and flexibility of new work models with the security of traditional work. For the purposes of recruiting, it may be helpful to understand why someone would opt for a gig role, over a more permanent position.
According to the report, gig work allows people to supplement incomes over the short-term, provides freedom to explore different roles, and develop in-demand skills to be more employable over the long-term. People can also control where, when, and how they work, reducing stress and allowing flexibility or work/life balance.
Attitudes by Age: Would You Consider NextGen Work?
The report also showcases how workers of all ages are opting for gig jobs, not just Millennials and Generation Z. According to the report, 95% of Gen Z (or younger Millennials as defined in the report) are driven by pay and would prefer swift progression, Gen Z workers find gig work as a way to help them move on and up.
For 93% of older Millennials, between the ages of 25 and 34, they are driven by career advancement and learning new skills. For 90% of younger Gen X workers (ages 35 to 39), they say that they are more focused on work/life balance—with some choosing to career plateau while they put family first and log-off at the end of the day.
As for older Gen X workers (ages 40 to 49), they are driven by producing more meaningful work and feeling appreciated by their employer. Finally, 90% of Baby Boomers are choosing an “encore career” for pleasure, as well as wanting recognition for a job well done and work that’s meaningful.
The infographic below highlights these points further. For more information on this report, click here.
