Trends in freelancing
How Freelancers are Changing the Future of Work: Key insights and data
Written by: Flexing It
16/12/2024
4 minutes read
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Freelancers are thriving in today's economy due to the growing demand for flexibility, autonomy, and specialised skills. As businesses increasingly seek access to specialised skills and agile talent solutions, many professionals opt for the freedom of freelancing. The rise of digital platforms and remote work has also broken down geographical barriers, allowing freelancers to tap into global markets. With the ability to curate their own work schedules and choose projects that align with their passion and expertise, freelancers are not only thriving but reshaping the future of work itself.
Freelancers: Thriving in a Growing Talent Marketplace
Flexing It has experienced a substantial growth of 184% over the last two years in total registrations of independent consultants, indicating a shift in how professionals are choosing to work for a variety of reasons. We had over 10,000 registrations over the April-September 2023 period, which increased to 36,000 for the same period in 2024. Today, Flexing It connects clients with a talent pool of over 100,000+ high-quality and curated consultants covering 160+ key skills across business domains, enabling businesses to tap into specialised expertise for critical projects. 87% of the talent pool is from India, with a mix of 74% from metro cities and 26% from non-metros.
Who is Leading the Charge?
*Growth in % between April and September FY25 compared to the same period in FY24.
Empowering Women in Freelancing
Freelancing is seeing a positive shift: nearly 38% of new consultants in Q1 and Q2 FY 25 are women, a big step forward for diversity. While men still make up the majority, it’s clear freelancing is appealing to women for the freedom, control, and flexibility it offers. Platforms like Flexing It make it easier for women to stay in or re-enter the workforce, balance their schedules, and get flexibility (capacity, remote work) while staying engaged and building a career. For many women who had to exit the workforce and may not have the option to engage in full-time, office-based work, freelancing offers the option to stay productive, hone their skills, and be equipped to seamlessly enter the workforce.
We noted higher women registrations between Apr-Sep 2024 in skills such as Human Resources, Marketing and Creative Design & Services,
Experience Matters
Recent data reveals that nearly three-quarters (75%) of consultants registering in the last six months are young professionals with 3-10 years of experience, showing a greater desire for younger professionals who feel confident with their skill set and are ready to turn to freelance at early stages of their career.
We observe a higher concentration of Technology, Creative & Design Services and Finance skills in younger freelancers.
Boutique Firms
Flexing It now boasts a network of 3500+ boutique firms with 350+ firms added over the last 6 months. We noted 26% of total boutique firm registrations in Apr’-Sep 2024 were from areas of Information Technology - a leading area of demand for boutique firms, especially in areas of Data Analytics, UI-UX, Software Development, Product and Technology Management, Quality Assurance, etc. This was followed by high registrations in areas of Finance, Creative and Design Services as well as Strategy.
Clients benefit from organised access to curated boutique firms across key skills with the ability to easily assess expertise through a unique skill profile for each firm. With a focus on flexibility, personalised service, and proven results, Flexing It is actively connecting our network of trusted boutique firms to leading global clients.
The Future of Work Is Here
The future of work is adaptive and collaborative - where freelancers and businesses both have much to gain by embracing adaptability and collaboration. Freelancers know that expertise and flexibility are their strongest currencies, and Flexing It gives them the platform to turn those strengths into lasting value.
For businesses, tapping into top freelance talent isn’t just a good HR strategy; it's having an edge. Whether you are building a career on your terms or seeking the right talent to move the needle, Flexing It is where opportunity and results meet.
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