Independent work: choice, necessity, and the gig economy

Key survey highlights
1
+55%
MGI's survey shows that the independent workforce 
is larger than government statistics indicate
% of total working-age population; million
12 million
people engaged in independent work
2
Supplemental
independent workers
Primary
independent
workers
36%
(14M)
33%
(13M)
16%
(6M)
15%
(6M)
Total
working-age
population =
39M
Individuals 
not earning 
income
Traditional workers
Size of non-earning population is lower than government 
statistics  as the data above capture
▪
One year of income history
▪
Many sources of income that may be in informal economy
Many workers aspire to be independent 
in their primary job
Independent workers report higher satisfaction 
than traditional workers

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132
McKinsey Global Institute
Appendix: Technical notes 
© Tooga/Getty images

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