Economic downturn creates a new wave of self-employed, Kelly workforce survey reveals
(May 12, 2010) – Hungary’s economic recession has forged a new generation of home-grown entrepreneurs, with approximately one-in-seven respondents describing themselves as ‘self-employed’, and of the rest, approximately half expressing a desire to work more independently, according to the latest survey from global workforce solutions leader Kelly Services.
The findings are part of the Kelly Global Workforce Index, which obtained the views of approximately 134,000 people, including more than 5,000 in Hungary.
The survey also finds that almost a quarter of respondents want to start their own business, with Gen Y (aged 18-29) the most enthusiastic about starting a commercial venture.
The ranks of those who are self-employed - also known as independent contractors or free agents – are more likely to be Gen X (aged 30-47) and baby boomers (aged 48-65), and are mostly male.
Kelly Services Anikó Jónás, Managing Director of Kelly Services Hungary Ltd.- says, "Many of those who lost their jobs as a result of the global economic crisis are reinventing themselves as independent contractors, freelancers and consultants. Today, more people are taking charge of their own careers and view self-employment as a way of achieving personal and professional success.”
Results of the survey in Hungary reveal:
- 14 percent of respondents are currently self-employed, made up of 19 percent of baby boomers, 15 percent of Gen X and 12 percent of Gen Y.
- The main factors respondents cite that would prevent a move into self-employment are uncertainty about income, lack of support, and risk of failure.
- Baby boomers and Gen X are more confident than Gen Y that their skills will be sufficient to enable a move into self-employment.
- Almost a third of all respondents believe there will be strong market demand for their individual skill sets.
- 23 percent of respondents plan to start a business, comprising 26 percent of Gen Y, 22 percent of Gen X, and 17 percent of baby boomers.
The appeal of self-employment coincides with a trend toward the outsourcing of non-core functions, which has seen many organisations reduce their permanent workforce, creating new opportunities for these independent contractors.
When seen from a generational perspective, there is a pattern of younger workers being more enthusiastic than their older counterparts about embarking on a more flexible and entrepreneurial work arrangement.
Those industries with the greatest concentration of self-employed workers were Education, Engineering and Business Services.
“Our survey results indicate an increase in the number of people who are either engaged in or are planning some form of entrepreneurial activity. Despite uncertainty, the idea of moving out of the traditional employment relationship is appealing to those who want the flexibility of working for themselves,” she concludes.
About the Kelly Global Workforce Index
The Kelly Global Workforce Index is an annual survey revealing opinions about work and the workplace from a generational viewpoint. Approximately 134,000 people from North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific responded to the 2010 survey with results published on a quarterly basis. In 2009, Kelly Services was the recipient of a MarCom Gold Award for the Kelly Global Workforce Index in the Research/Study category.
About Kelly Services
Kelly Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: KELYA, KELYB) is a leader in providing workforce solutions. Kelly offers a comprehensive array of outsourcing and consulting services as well as world-class staffing on a temporary, temporary-to-hire and direct-hire basis. Serving clients around the globe, Kelly provides employment to 480,000 employees annually. Revenue in 2009 was $4.3 billion. Visit www.kellyservices.com.
Media contact:
Anikó Jónás
Managing Director
E-mail: ajonas@kellyservices.hu
Tel: 0036-1-354-2770