It’s no secret that traditional W-2 employment has some serious competition these days. Workers now have more choices than ever, ranging from a plethora of gig platforms and marketplaces to staffing agencies who can place them in temporary roles that match their skills.

The contingent workforce currently makes up 40% of the U.S. workforce; by 2050 it’s expected to climb to 50%. It’s clear that while contingent work may have previously been seen as a way to make extra cash, for many people it’s now become more desirable than a traditional W-2 career.

Why is that?

For one, it offers the freedom and flexibility that today’s workforce demands. Many people also see the potential for more earning power and financial resilience with contingent work than with traditional W-2 careers. All of this data has come from survey respondents in our first ever State of Gig and Staffing Report.

We surveyed more than 500 contingent workers across industries about their work preferences, habits, and challenges. Their answers highlight the significant role gig and staffing work are playing in providing the flexibility and financial resilience today’s workforce needs.

Whether you run a gig marketplace, staffing agency, or are just looking to stay on top of workforce trends, the insights in our guide are must-haves in order to deliver what workers want and secure more talent.