Technological advances coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic mean that the labour market is evolving in Europe, while the war for talent hots up. The speed of change means that remote work is becoming more common and an increasing number of sectors are turning to more flexible labour arrangements for utilising the open talent that they require, when they need it.

At the same time, more and more workers across Europe are adopting a workstyle that is characterised by flexibility, choice and open employer-employee relationships.

Stepping away from the 9 to 5

This reality is benefiting technology workers - from programmers to security managers and consultants - since increased digitalisation has led to the development and expansion of platform work and the project economy across Europe. This “gigification” of the labour market helps workers to find physical jobs in an increasing number of locations, as well as access opportunities through the “Human Cloud”. This means that workers do not need to travel somewhere but rather can earn money from projects as long as they have a WIFI connection and a laptop.

Startups and politicians should understand freelancers and their needs

There is a need for a framework which meets the needs of freelancers, facilitates earning opportunities and does not saddle them with excessive administration. Yet we seldom hear from the people actually freelancing and doing Gig work, therefore the new Future of Work Study 2022 is interesting. This highlights a number of novel opinions and trends, based on surveys and interviews with freelancers from across Europe.

Contrary to the popular image of freelancers being poor, uneducated workers who need protecting, this study finds that the majority of Gig workers are well educated. 60% have a university degree, according to the study, and freelancers carry out a wide variety of jobs across a vast and varied number of sectors from consulting and IT work to health care and design.

The study also underlines that many freelancers are earning well above the average European salary of EUR 2,570: 21% are earning EUR 2-5,000 each month while 10% are earning over EUR 5,000. These earnings are a mix of primary and supplementary incomes for Gig workers and this study shines a light on the diversity which exists.

Furthermore, 80% of freelancers state that this is a lifestyle choice, since they are seeking flexibility, variety and the opportunity to create something, while 90% say that they are happy with being a freelancer. Given this context, it is vital that startups, decision-makers and politicians do not create a framework which forces all workers into an outdated 9 to 5 model that is not desired.

Learning to attract the best tech talent

Companies and organisations must also adapt to the new reality and establish a way of integrating the open talent that they require into the workforce. Often this will mean a blend of full time employees, on-demand contractors, freelancers and partners. Some will be brought in on a project basis while others will need to be integrated into core business strategies over a longer period

of time. Similarly, Gig work will allow individuals to try, test and experiment before they build a business. Startups and technology companies appear to be at the forefront of this sea change, while larger organisations will need to focus on developing a freelancer strategy to increase efficiency gains and reduce their costs.

Harnessing the skills, knowledge and expertise that exist will be top of mind for all startups looking to maximise their growth and potential as the future of work takes shape and the economy enters increasingly stormy waters. When it comes to achieving success, it is no longer a case of merely showing up.