Kelly Services released the Kelly Global Workforce Index of 134,000 people in 29 countries. We thought this spring's survey was quite interesting and we're sharing a few highlights here. To read the full report and view the related data, head over to http://easypr.marketwire.com/easyir/msc2.do?easyirid=95BBA2C450798961.
"Economic uncertainty has fueled a growing trend toward self-employment and entrepreneurialism with one-in-five respondents worldwide now working outside the traditional employment relationship, and 50 percent saying that they would like to do so, according to the latest survey results from workforce solutions leader Kelly Services®."
"The rise of the self-employed, often known as independent contractors or ‘free agents,' is most pronounced in North America, with 26 percent identifying themselves in this category, compared with 19 percent in Asia Pacific, and 17 percent in Europe."
"The baby boomer generation (aged 48-65) make up the largest share of this expanding group, but the desire to move to a more flexible and independent career status is shared by both Gen X (aged 30-47) and Gen Y (aged 18-29). "The economic downturn has resulted in a new way of thinking about careers and job security. Many people have watched their jobs disappear and now want to do something that puts them in more control of their career," says Kelly Services Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, George Corona. "These are often people with many years of experience, who may have been displaced and who have taken an entrepreneurial approach to marketing their skills."
"20 percent of those surveyed are working outside the traditional employment relationship as freelancers, consultants, independent contractors or free agents, comprising 28 percent of baby boomers, 20 percent of Gen X and 18 percent of Gen Y."
"Almost half of all those surveyed (48 percent) say they feel that their current skills would be sufficient to enable them to start a business, with baby boomers and Gen X (both 54 percent) more confident than Gen Y (40 percent). There is a feeling among all groups that the market demand for their skills will remain strong over the coming year."
"Many of those who lost their jobs as a result of the global economic crisis have had to reinvent themselves as independent contractors, freelancers and consultants. This self-employment trend may continue as more people become attracted by the autonomy, independence, and flexibility of working for themselves," Corona concludes.
Again, to view the survey information in detail, see http://easypr.marketwire.com/easyir/msc2.do?easyirid=95BBA2C450798961
Hope you have a great holiday weekend!