Independent work: choice, necessity, and the gig economy

THE INDEPENDENT WORKFORCE COULD GROW LARGER IN THE 
YEARS AHEAD
Several factors point to further growth potential for the independent workforce. In the 
MGI survey, approximately 14 percent of those in traditional jobs and people who are not 
currently working reported that they would like to become independent primary earners—
and say they are “somewhat likely” or “very likely” to pursue this aspiration. 
In addition to drawing people out of traditional jobs, independent work may reengage some 
portion of the inactive and unemployed population. Government data reveal 232 million 
adults in the United States and the EU-15 are inactive, unemployed, or work less than full 
time—and at least 100 million of them would like to start working or increase their hours 
(20 million in the United States, and 84 million in the EU-15). Flexible opportunities are 
especially well suited to students, retirees, the disabled, and caregivers who stay at home—