In contrast to traditional employees, self-employed freelancers exhibit higher job satisfaction levels, yet they express greater concerns regarding future job stability.
Freelancers are living the high life compared to their permanently employed counterparts, according to the latest interim results from Randstad's Working Life Study. A whopping 77% of freelancers are satisfied with their independent work, while only 47% of permanent employees can say the same. Despite this, both groups are feeling the heat in terms of job security, with concerns about economic instability taking center stage.
Michel Verdoold, CEO of Randstad Professional, offers some insight. "Freelancers and employees are definitely thinking about whether their jobs might get automated someday," Verdoold admits. But don't start reaching for the red doctrine just yet - it seems that technological advancements and economic uncertainties are making everyone a bit paranoid, not just the robots.
A total of 43% of freelancers and 52% of employees share concerns about the impact of innovative technology on their jobs. And let's not forget about economic instability, which has nearly everyone's nerves on edge. A staggering 73% of permanent employees are worried about how economic uncertainty could affect their employer, while a whopping 84% of freelancers are concerns about the potential impact on their workload. In short, everybody's feeling a bit vulnerable.
So, what does this mean for companies, employees, and freelancers alike? Verdoold suggests that with the rise of new technologies, incessant learning is more crucial than ever. As for the fear of automation, it seems that even AI needs human operators who can manipulate and manage it. In other words, skills in handling these new technologies will be the key to overall economic competitiveness.
The survey for the Randstad Working Life Study is still open, and those interested in participating are encouraged to do so. The study aims to be as representative as possible, so don't be shy - share your thoughts on job satisfaction, employability, and technological advancements!
Since 2013, Randstad Professional has been providing insights into the hourly rates, projects, and utilization of freelancers in the IT, engineering, and life science sectors. The study covers overtime and earnings, working life, satisfaction, requirements for companies, and trends. Freelancers and employees in these sectors are welcome to contribute. For more information, visit: [Link to website]
Randstad is one of the world's leading staffing providers, with a focus on being as specialized and fair as it gets in the realm of employment. By identifying, developing, and connecting specialized talent with companies, Randstad creates high-performing, diverse, and agile teams, supporting each individual's successful career with equal opportunities.
With over 38,500 employees and 500 locations in Germany, Randstad boasts an impressive annual turnover of 1.843 billion euros. For more information about Randstad, visit: [Link to website]
- In the context of technological advancements and economic uncertainties, developing skills in handling new technologies is crucial for overall economic competitiveness, according to Randstad Professional's CEO, Michel Verdoold.
- The latest interim results from Randstad's Working Life Study reveal that both freelancers and employees are concerned about the impact of innovative technology on their jobs, with 43% of freelancers and 52% of employees sharing these concerns.
- A key area of focus for Randstad Professional, as expressed in their Working Life Study, is providing insights into the hourly rates, projects, and utilization of freelancers in the IT, engineering, and life science sectors.
- Embracing lifelong learning and wellness initiatives, such as health-and-wellness, lifestyle, career-development, education-and-self-development, and workplace-wellness, may help both freelancers and employees navigate the challenges posed by technological and economic developments.
