Business
Poland's Booming Freelance Economy: Study Unveils Insights
The study, titled "Freelancing in Poland 2023," was conducted by Useme, a platform based in Wrocław that connects freelancers with clients.
The report reveals a significant increase in the number of freelancers, reaching 330,000, which marks an 8.3% rise compared to the previous year.
By shedding light on the evolving landscape of freelancing, the report provides a comprehensive insight into the growing role of this work mode in Poland, capturing its essence, diversity, and economic impact. It offers a roadmap for understanding the changing dynamics of employment in Poland.
Freelancing is particularly attractive to younger individuals, with almost half of independent specialists falling between the ages of 26 and 35, while only about one in ten are aged 46 and older. Most of these freelancers reside in major urban areas, leveraging the flexibility that freelancing offers as a supplementary source of income, as noted by nearly 60% of respondents.
The rise of freelancing is not just a passing trend but a solid and enduring phenomenon, according to Natalia Zielińska from Useme.
"At present, we have around 330,000 independent specialists in our market, which represents an 8.3% growth compared to the previous year," observed Zielińska. "We anticipate this trend to continue, with the market's growth rate maintaining a similar level."
Diversity is another key characteristic of Poland's freelancing community. The study highlights a balanced gender representation, with women constituting 50.4% and men 49.2% of the respondents.
A significant majority of freelancers (67.3%) hold higher education qualifications, underscoring the prevalence of expertise among independent workers. Around a quarter of freelancers have chosen this career path from the start, while the majority have previously held full-time positions.
The report also delves into the financial aspects of freelancing in Poland. While freelancing serves as an additional income source for a substantial portion (59.9%), it is the primary, albeit not exclusive, source of income for 16.8% of participants.
About 37.6% of freelancers who earn less than PLN 1,000 (EUR 225, USD 235) per month view freelancing as a supplementary income stream. Interestingly, over 80% report that their income has either increased or remained stable compared to the previous year.
Reflecting modern work trends, 90% of freelancers typically work from home, often extending their work commitments into weekends. Their methods of finding work vary, encompassing regular client collaborations, personal referrals, as well as the use of social media and job advertising platforms.
