A recent survey by human resources specialist Acerta reveals a significant shift in the freelance workforce’s happiness, with two-thirds of respondents reporting greater job satisfaction compared to their previous employment.
The survey, which queried 1,000 freelancers who launched their own ventures in the past year, indicates a marked improvement in overall well-being and a decrease in stress levels.
According to the survey, 65.7% of freelancers feel happier in their current roles than they did while employed. This represents a notable increase in satisfaction over the past four years.
The reduction in stress is particularly striking: in 2020, 72% of freelancers reported experiencing normal to high levels of stress. This figure has now dropped to 55.5%, reflecting a positive shift in the freelance experience.
The survey also uncovered that 24.8% of freelancers feel their happiness levels have remained unchanged, while 9.5% expressed dissatisfaction, feeling “much less happy” or “less happy” than they did in traditional employment. This subset of respondents noted that freelancing did not meet their expectations.
The rise in freelancer satisfaction is attributed to several government-provided services aimed at supporting independent workers.
These include maternity leave, health insurance, childcare support, and financial safety nets during economic downturns. Christine Festjens, General Director of Acerta, highlighted the improvements: “In recent years, the status of self-employed people has changed for the better,” she said.
Despite these advancements, the survey points out that 65% of freelancers struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance. The blurring of boundaries between personal and professional life remains a significant challenge.
Festjens cautioned against the potential risks of this imbalance, stating, “There is a fine line between work and private life – and this can be dangerous. As with employees, it is also important for self-employed people who are passionate about building their business to watch over their mental well-being.”
Moreover, the survey reveals that 10% of respondents feel existing government support is inadequate and believe that more should be done to assist independent workers. This highlights a continuing gap in the support structure for freelancers, despite recent improvements.
Overall, the survey underscores a positive trend in freelancer satisfaction and well-being, tempered by ongoing challenges related to mental health and work-life balance. As the freelance workforce continues to grow, addressing these issues will be crucial in sustaining and enhancing job satisfaction among independent workers.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
