Business workflows have been disrupted by the pandemic causing an increased need for freelancers, according to data analysis by Worksome.
The tech platform found that there was an increase in demand for almost half (45%) of freelancers across the UK and US on its books in 2021.
It says that job vacancies in the UK are at an all-time high at the moment, while a record 4.5 million American workers quit their jobs in November owing to the Great Resignation. 14 percent of freelancers in the US & UK told Worksome that the Great Resignation had directly led to them becoming a freelancer.
Freelancers claim to be more satisfied than when working full time, with nearly three quarters (72%) happier and 61% claiming to have more free time.
Job flexibility and work life balance (78%) are the most important motivators for freelance workers, 8% higher than money (70%). Interestingly, freelance work is also now allowing workers to focus on the causes that matter to them, with purpose (66%) also listed as one of the top motivators.
Morten Petersen, CEO and Co-Founder, Worksome said: “The world of freelance work continues to evolve in line with changes accelerated by the pandemic.”
The increased demand for freelancers is also being reflected in the remuneration they are able to command, with many day rates in excess of full-time earnings, says Worksome.
Mathias Linnemann, COO and Co-Founder, Worksome said it was good news for businesses and freelancers, but there were still issues that needed addressing. He said businesses needed to utilise freelance specialisms better: ” More can still be done to better utilise the skills of freelance workers while new technology can help overcome traditional pain points like finding the right job, communicating with clients and fair pricing.
Those freelancers that have worked previously in full time employment say they now earn more, with more than half (53%) saying they earn more as a freelancer than they did as a permanent employee.
However, freelancers admitted that the most common challenges they face are finding the right job, deciding the right pricing and managing taxes & accounting.
Freelancers who were older than 50 also said they faced age-discrimination with nearly a quarer saying they had challenges finding work because of their age.
Feyaza Khan has been a journalist for more than 20 years in print and broadcast. Her special interests include neurodiversity in the workplace, tech, diversity, trauma and wellbeing.
