The gig economy has exploded in the last few years as more workers embrace side jobs and flexibility of assignments. New studies reveal that this trend should continue into the future. In fact, research group Recode has reported that the number of on-demand workers in the United States alone is expected to nearly double by 2021. That would equal at least 9.2 million Americans working an on-demand job – more Americans than are expected to work in more traditional employment stables such as construction. 

This growth is certainly due in part to the continued popularity and growth of companies such as Uber. Further, workers currently working in the on-demand economy continue to spread their overall favorable experiences. Independence and flexibility are highly sought after benefits to the gig economy that will likely attract a steady stream of new workers. This is especially true as more Baby Boomers retire and look to supplement their incomes. Likewise, as Generation Z comes of age behind today’s Millennials, they will also likely flock to flexible on-demand work, perhaps because they have never known a time where goods and services were not available at the touch of a cell phone button. 

This news indicates that the gig economy is not only here to stay, but will continue to grow. It also may signal a need for these workers to maintain the benefits that accompany traditional employment, such as health and retirement benefits. As the workforce changes, these issues will almost certainly evolve as well.