Upwork has unveiled new research from The Upwork Research Institute, spotlighting the persistent growth of freelancing among Gen Z professionals. The study shows that a substantial part of the U.S. workforce, consisting of 38%, or 64 million Americans, participated in freelance work in 2023. Notably, over half, specifically 52%, of all surveyed Gen Z professionals were actively freelancing.
According to a press release by Upwork, Gen Z professionals are increasingly choosing freelance careers, with more than half dedicating at least 40 hours per week to various freelance tasks. These individuals display an entrepreneurial mindset, valuing flexibility, diversity, and personal growth in their careers. Gen Z freelancers prioritize learning and are keen on technology. A significant portion identifies as "Portfolio Careerists" and excels in skilled tasks such as programming and content creation.
Monahan, managing director of The Upwork Research Institute said in a press release by Upwork: "Our research shows that the next generation of talent sees the modern career as much more diversified and dynamic than generations past. They want freedom, control, and autonomy that allows them to take advantage of new, distributed ways of working that ultimately impact their performance and financial stability." She further noted: "Many business leaders and professionals associate freelancing solely with short-term, transactional work; however, it’s much more complex than that. The five distinct modes of freelancing show us that each of these work arrangements and preferences has unique underlying motivators which inform clear implications for the evolving hiring landscape."
The Upwork Research Institute conducts studies on workforce changes to provide business leaders with essential tools and insights for current challenges and future preparations. Through analysis of proprietary platform data, global surveys, partnerships, and academic collaborations, the institute aims to generate evidence-based insights to shape the future of work according to information provided on the Upwork Research Institute webpage.