Adios, arrivederci, adieu. It’s time to bid the 9-to-5 job a fond farewell. Or so suggests research from ManpowerGroup, a leading global workforce solutions company.
A global survey of 9,500 people in 12 countries finds flexibility and balance are in and the traditional 9-to-5 job is out. In the new era work, the emphasis is on new ways of getting work done, in ways that work for people and companies.
Survey Findings
ManpowerGroup asked people how they want to work, what motivates them, and their views on what it refers to as NextGen Work.
The survey finds that more control over their schedule (42 percent), boosting their bank account (41 percent), and developing new skills (38 percent) are top reasons why NextGen Work – part-time, freelance, contract, temporary or independent contract work – is on the rise.
As important, more than 80 percent of U.S. workers say NextGen Work is a choice, not a last resort, and builds resilience for less predictable futures. What’s more, 90 percent of NextGen workers say they enjoy the way they work, and will continue to work this way.
“The U.S. labor market is fundamentally changing. We’re seeing a growing number of people opting for alternative models over traditional roles. They want flexible careers, the opportunity to develop new skills, and to be able to blend work and home more easily,” said Becky Frankiewicz, president of ManpowerGroup North America. “At the same time, companies want workforce solutions that find them the best talent when business models and skills needs are changing faster than ever. That’s why NextGen Work is on the rise.”
Everyone and Everywhere
And Millennials are not the ones driving this workforce trends.
The vast majority of workers (94 percent), spanning five generations and both genders, are open to NextGen Work for their next or future position. However, their motives may vary.
Among survey findings:
- Men are slightly more likely than women to look for flexibility to spend time with family (32 percent vs. 29 percent) and to seek a less stressful environment (30 percent vs. 27 percent).
- Younger Millennials (age 18-24) and Boomers (age 50-65) prioritize the same things: pay (60 percent vs. 65 percent) and work/life balance (48 percent vs. 64 percent). Engaging in work that is meaningful to them is also a priority for both generations.
- Conversely, appetite for learning peaks among older Millennials and declines with age.
NextGen Work is a global phenomenon. Emerging markets like India and Mexico are leading the way with the greatest openness to freelance, contract, temporary or independent contract work (97 percent), with mature markets – including the U.S. (94 percent), and the UK and Australia (90 and 92 percent, respectively) – close behind. Germany, Netherlands, and Japan are more resistant to NextGen Work; nevertheless, even in those countries, a majority of workers would consider NextGen Work.
