Changes in the Labor Market Leads to Increase in Free Agent Workforce, According to Kelly Services, Inc.
The findings are part of the Kelly Services® 2011
The 2011 Free Agent survey found that there is a significant rise in the country's free agent workforce. This jump is attributable to several underlying changes, including:
- Economic conditions
- Aging workforce
- Attitudinal shifts
"Today's workforce desire more flexibility and freedom in the way in which they work," said
It is interesting to examine the growth of free agency within each generational group. There is a significant increase in the percentage of employees -- across all generations -- who classify themselves as free agents today compared to 2008. The free agent workstyle has grown most notably among Gen X employees (age 32 - 46), more than doubling since 2008. But among all generations, there exists strong rates of growth across the board.
Nearly 38 percent of Gen X workers today are free agents compared to 18 percent in 2008. Today, free agents comprise 49 percent of all Baby Boomers (age 47 - 65), and 66 percent of all Silent Generation workers (age 66 - 76 ). By comparison, 25 percent of Gen Y (age 18 - 31) workers classify themselves as free agents, an increase from 21 percent in 2008.
"We would expect that as the labor market returns to more stable employment conditions, the proportion of free agents in the U.S. working population will even out at 30 to 35 percent," added Camden.
As a workforce solutions company,
If you are a business looking to take advantage of the talent and versatility offered by the free agent workforce, we invite you to attend a free webinar, "The New Workforce: Insights into the Free Agent Workstyle" at
Media ContactJane Stehney Kelly Services, Inc. 248-244-5630 stehnja@kellyservices.com
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