The study, entitled "Freelancing in Poland 2023," was compiled by Useme, a Wrocław-based platform that connects freelancers with clients.
The report unveils that the number of freelancers — or wolni strzelcy, meaning "free shooters" or guns for hire in Polish — has surged to 330,000, marking an 8.3-percent increase compared to the previous year.
By shedding light on the changing details of freelancing, the report offers a comprehensive insight into the growing role of this mode of working in Poland, capturing its essence, diversity, and economic implications, thereby providing a roadmap to understanding the evolving contours of Poland’s employment landscape.
Freelancing appears particularly appealing to younger demographics, with nearly half of the independent specialists being aged between 26 and 35 years, and only about one in 10 aged 46 and over. Most of these freelancers reside in major urban centers, leveraging the flexibility freelancing offers as a supplementary income source, as noted by nearly 60 percent of respondents.
The rise of freelancing is not just a transient wave, but a steadfast trend, according to Natalia Zielińska from Useme.
"Currently, some 330,000 independent specialists are operating in our market, representing an 8.3-percent growth compared to the previous year," Zielińska observed. "We forecast this trend to persist, with the growth rate of this market maintaining a similar level."
Diversity is also a hallmark of Poland’s freelancing populace. The study demonstrates a balanced gender representation, with women constituting 50.4 percent and men 49.2 percent of the respondents.
A significant majority of freelancers (67.3 percent) hold higher education qualifications, evidencing the prevalence of high expertise among independent workers. Around a quarter of freelancers have chosen this career path from the beginning, while the majority have previously held a full-time position.
Economic facets also emerge in the report, illustrating the financial aspects of freelancing in Poland. While freelancing symbolizes an auxiliary income avenue for a substantial segment (59.9 percent), it is a predominant but not exclusive income source for 16.8 percent of participants.
Freelancers who earn below PLN 1,000 (EUR 225, USD 235) monthly make up 37.6 percent, evidently viewing freelancing as a source of extra income. The great majority, over 80 percent, report that their income has grown or remained the same as last year.
In a reflection of adaptability and modern work tendencies, 90 percent of freelancers predominantly operate from home, with work commitments often extending over weekends. The means of finding work also varies, ranging from regular collaboration with clients and personal recommendations to the use of social media and employment advertising portals.
(rt/gs)
Source: PAP