Kelly Global Workforce Index 2010

Background Information

The Kelly Global Workforce Index (KGWI) is an annual survey conducted by Kelly Services in order to obtain insight on the greater workforce.

Each year, the survey reveals a wide array of opinions about work and the workplace from a generational viewpoint. In doing so, some of the most current, newsworthy topics in the staffing industry are disclosed.

In 2010, Kelly surveyed approximately 134,000 people throughout 29 countries in North America, Asia Pacific, and Europe.

Last year, Kelly won the MarCom Gold Award in the research/study category for this report.

Most importantly, Kelly knows employment and wants to help you better understand your workforce during the coming years.

A New Wave of Global Free Agents Are Emerging

Economic uncertainty has led to the recent, national trend in self-employment and entrepreneurialism.

In fact, one in five professionals are currently work outside of the traditional employment relationship.

Of the professionals that are currently not self-employed, 50 percent would like to be.

"The economic downturn has resulted in a new way of thinking about careers and job security. Many people have watched their jobs disappear and now want to do something that puts them in more control of their career,” says Kelly Services Executive Vice

President and Chief Operating Officer, George Corona.

Free Agents

Yet, the question remains – Are you currently a free agent?

According to the survey, The Baby Boomer generation has the highest number of free agents or self employed workers - 28 percent of all survey respondents.

Professionals who work outside of the traditional employment relationship are generally considered free agents, including freelancers, consultants, and independent contractors.

Preventing Factor

Without a doubt, a wide array of professionals are interested in obtaining free agent careers, yet many individuals do not pursue freelance or contract work. If they are so interested in working as a free agent, why have they not pursued free agent roles?

What would be the main factor preventing

you from moving into self-employment?

Employees of all ages and backgrounds are typically worried about two important facets as they pursue free agent work – first, an uncertainty about obtaining a steadily high amount of income and, second, a lack of adequate support.

Entrepreneurship

Throughout the world, 48% of survey respondents believe they have the necessary skills to start a business, yet only half of these respondents have implemented a business plan.

Generation Y respondents are the least confident in their own entrepreneurial skills. However, of all respondents, they typically have implemented a business plan more often than Generation X and Baby Boomer respondents have.

Do you plan to start your own business?

What Does This Mean To Me?

“Many of those who lost their jobs, as a result of the global economic crisis, have had to reinvent themselves as independent contractors, freelancers, and consultants. This self-employment trend may continue as more people become attracted by the autonomy, independence, and flexibility of working for themselves,” Kelly Services Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, George Corona concludes.

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