Freelance workers of all kinds have already transformed the world of work. What are the biggest advantages of participating in the gig economy?

1. THE BIGGEST BENEFITS OF THE GIG
ECONOMY FOR FREELANCERS AND
BUSINESSES

2. © 2021 Bernard Marr, Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
THE BIGGEST BENEFITS OF THE GIG ECONOMY
FOR FREELANCERS AND BUSINESSES
Freelance workers of all kinds have already transformed the world of work.
What are the biggest advantages of participating in the gig economy?

3. © 2021 Bernard Marr, Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
As more organizations shift toward hiring people on a contract basis – with most of
those contractors working remotely – the traditional employment model is
undergoing radical changes.
We're already in the age of the gig economy, with many people working as “free
agents,” rather than full-time or part-time permanent employees. This trend is only
going to accelerate in the future.
So what exactly is the gig economy, and what are some of the biggest benefits of
working within this new business world? Let's take a look.

4. © 2021 Bernard Marr, Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
WHAT IS THE GIG ECONOMY?
The gig economy is where business and independent workers engage in short-term
contracts or freelance work, as opposed to permanent employment.
You're most likely already participating in the gig economy, either as a freelancer,
employer, or someone who uses platform services like Uber.
More than a third of U.S. workers – around 57 million people – are now engaged in
the gig economy, and experts predict that number will grow to 86 million by 2027.

5. © 2021 Bernard Marr, Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
The gig economy has gotten a bit of a bad reputation in recent years, with many
people picturing workers struggling to make ends meet with sub-minimum wage
jobs that include zero job security. While those situations do still exist, you might
be surprised to find out that 59% of gig workers are engaged in technology,
design, and IT jobs. Another 24% have jobs in content writing, marketing, and
multimedia production.

6. © 2021 Bernard Marr, Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
THE BIGGEST ADVANTAGES OF THE GIG ECONOMY FOR
FREELANCERS AND COMPANIES
Here are a few of the biggest advantages of the gig economy:
1. Work without boundaries – Gig economy workers can potentially work from anywhere
instead of being limited to local companies that are within commuting distance.
2. Flexibility – Independent work fits around other factors like creative passions or family
responsibilities. Gig workers also have the freedom to choose when they are going to
complete their work, which may not be during a traditional Monday through Friday, 9-5
schedule.

7. © 2021 Bernard Marr, Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
3. Freedom to choose projects – As an independent worker, you have the freedom to
choose projects and clients that align with your interests and help you achieve your
personal or professional goals.
4. Potential to earn more – Depending on industry and skill level, you may be able to
earn more as a gig worker than you would as a traditional employee. You'll also be able
create an income structure that comes from multiple sources, so if you lose one project
client, you have others to fall back on.

8. © 2021 Bernard Marr, Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
For companies, the gig economy also comes with big benefits. The talent pool is now truly
global, and companies can hire talented workers from anywhere in the world. Organizations
are no longer limited to local labor markets or the small pool of people who are willing to
move for a job.
Opening up the talent pool is also a positive thing for a company's cultural intelligence and
diversity. Plus, a company can bring in extra help when it's needed (to meet fluctuating
seasonal demand, for example). This allows businesses of all sizes to stay competitive and
continue to scale their growth.

9. © 2021 Bernard Marr, Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
Want to learn more about how you can prepare yourself for shifts in employment
like the rise of the gig economy? Visit my blog or check out my new book, "Future
Skills: The 20 Skills and Competencies Everyone Needs to Succeed in a Digital
World."

10. © 2021 Bernard Marr , Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
Bernard Marr is an internationally best-selling author, popular keynote speaker,
futurist, and a strategic business & technology advisor to governments and
companies. He helps organisations improve their business performance, use data
more intelligently, and understand the implications of new technologies such as
artificial intelligence, big data, blockchains, and the Internet of Things.
LinkedIn has ranked Bernard as one of the world’s top 5 business influencers. He is
a frequent contributor to the World Economic Forum and writes a regular column for
Forbes. Every day Bernard actively engages his 1.5 million social media followers
and shares content that reaches millions of readers.

11. hello@bernardmarr.com
www.bernardmarr.com