Independent work: choice, necessity, and the gig economy

THE INDEPENDENT WORKFORCE IS DIVERSE 
There are many common examples of independent earners, from highly educated lawyers 
in private practice to construction workers who move from project to project. But the 
universe of independent work is much more diverse than any single example can capture. 
In fact, our survey reveals that the independent workforce by and large resembles the 
traditional workforce. Independent earners come in all ages, education levels, incomes, 
and occupations. 
~70
%
share of 
independent 
workers who are 
independent by 
choice
2. CHOICE VS. NECESSITY: 
UNDERSTANDING THE 
INDEPENDENT WORKFORCE 

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42
McKinsey Global Institute
2. Choice vs. necessity: Understanding the independent workforce 
Across countries, we find that between 46 and 60 percent of young people participate in 
independent work (Exhibit 10). But despite this high participation rate, young people make 
up only around a quarter of the independent workforce. Around one in three female earners 
engage in independent work. They account for about half of the independent workforce, 
so gender is not a key indicator of participation. However, people from low-income 
households are more likely to participate. Between 40 and 60 percent of these workers 
are independent, and they make up anywhere from 15 to 40 percent of the independent 
workforce in each country. In Spain, 40 percent of the independent workforce comes from 
low-income households.
Exhibit 10
47
58
65
59
53
63
46
55
59
49
39
56
39
38
44
42
33
44
53
Responses from MGI Survey
Independent workers span all demographic groups
1
8
United 
Kingdom
31
2
14
United 
States
68
1
6
36
8
12
8
Spain
13
Germany
Sweden
6
France
5
21
6
13
Supplemental
Primary
Total independent workers
Million
17
27
26
28
30
25
31
% of 
working-age 
population
Youths
1
Women
Low-income 
households
2