Skilled professionals are embracing the gig economy as a long-term career and lifestyle choice, according to global research from the Adecco Group and LinkedIn.

The study, Flexible Working: a career and lifestyle pathway, found that 54% of independent workers had embraced flexible working by choice to meet their personal needs and goals. Meanwhile 36% regarded it as a stopgap between direct, permanent roles.

Data from LinkedIn showed that about 15 million contractors are currently active in the US and Europe with a ‘great share’ of those who are now forging careers in the gig economy being highly-skilled professionals. The research also showed that 91% of the independent workers’ profiles on the social network are in their middle to late careers.

Furthermore, the Adecco Group’s research also revealed that 82% of 18-26 year olds in flexible work aspired to be in independent employment, with 89% seeing it as a long-term career path.

“Flexible working offers a huge and exciting opportunity for everyone in a rapidly-changing world of work. The emerging gig economy has the potential to grow to three times the size of the temporary staffing market,” Adecco Group CEO Alain Dehaze, said. “However, much more has to be done at policy level to support independent workers, from fairer legislation and social benefits to providing better training. Flexible workers are shaping the future of work. It is time to dispel the myths, remove the barriers and help them get there.”

The Adecco Group stated that it is urging government and corporate policy to provide the same rights and conditions for flexible workers as those enjoyed by direct, permanent employees, especially in areas such as social benefits, annual leave, pensions and insurance.

Originally published by Staffing Industry Analysts.