Gen Z: Steering
the Future of Workforce
In its latest report Upwork uncovered fresh insights on how Gen Z is shaping the future of workforce – bringing unique perspectives around skills, flexibility and the type of work arrangements they want.
Here are their main findings:
Gen Zers are more likely to work for companies that engage knowledge freelancers: Nearly three-quarters (73%) of Gen Zers say they work for a company that uses freelancers; this compares to 67% of millennials, 58% of Gen Xers, and 53% of baby boomers.
Younger generations are more likely to engage freelancers in the future: 65% of Gen Zers and 78% of millennials say they plan to use more freelancers over the next five years than they do today.
Gen Zers recognize that freelancers are part of a full talent strategy: In fact, 61% of Gen Zers believe that using freelancers is a very effective lever for building talent pipelines, which compares to 47% of millennials, 35% of Gen Xers, and 37% of baby boomers.
Gen Zers plan to keep remote work around: Nine out of ten Gen Zers and 82% of millennials said they are much more likely to redesign work toward remote as a key recruiting lever. This compares to only 71% of Gen Xers and 59% of baby boomers.
Why this shift in the future of workforce? Gen Z seeks:
🎯 Passionate work
🛤️ Control over personal career paths
⏳ Flexibility in schedule
For them, freelancing helps meet these goals!
Additional insights showed:
27% and 29% of Gen Z and millennial freelancers create influencer-styled content.
46% of Gen Z believes freelancers are cost-effective; 33% said freelancers provide a higher quality of skills and 38% of Gen Zers said they have more confidence in a freelancer.
Gen Z professionals are fastest to reskill for a new hard skill (like learning the latest coding language). It takes them on avarage 3.6 months, while the rest of the generations believed it would take at least 5 months.
In a nutshell, Gen Z is leading change, promoting flexible, passion-driven work that breaks away from traditional norms.
More Articles
Upwork’s Vision for Freelancing in the AI Era
08-07-2025
Upwork is shifting direction: AI is no longer optional. Discover how the platform sees the future of freelancing — and what it means for your role.
Upwork Rates: How Much Do Freelancers Really Earn?
27-06-2025
We analyzed Vollna’s 2024 report on 5M+ Upwork projects to understand real rates, category trends, and where freelancers can grow or start.
Transparency now: Communication that brings clarity
27-06-2025
Remote teams don’t have casual cues like a nod or a glance. That’s why we use the "Transparency now" rule - to stay clear, predictable, and in sync.
5 Absurd Productivity Tricks
22-06-2025
These 5 absurd-sounding tricks are backed by research and proven to boost focus, creativity, and energy
Upwork SMB Report Q1 2025: What Freelancers Should Know
05-06-2025
Key insights from Upwork’s Q1 2025 SMB report: why companies hire freelancers and how to align your profile with their top priorities.
Work Diary on Upwork: How It Works and What You Must Know
31-05-2025
Learn how to use Upwork's Work Diary to stay protected, get paid reliably, and meet all requirements for Hourly Payment Protection.
Outgrown a Client? 4 Signs It’s Time to Move On
30-05-2025
4 clear signs you’ve outgrown a client and a plan to move on without burning bridges.
AI Literacy or Unemployment: Easy Tasks No Longer Exist
25-05-2025
Easy tasks are gone: master AI literacy or risk unemployment. Discover how automation reshapes careers and the 80/20 rule to stay ahead
Trump 2025 Tariffs: How Freelancers’ Daily Costs Are Shifting
19-05-2025
Trump’s 2025 tariffs hike tech-and-SaaS prices and shift client budgets. See five moves freelancers can take to stay profitable.
Upwork YouTube Channels for Freelancers: Top Picks
18-05-2025
Explore top YouTube channels about Upwork to elevate your freelancing journey and acquire new skills.
Upwork Q1 2025 Financial Report: Key Insights and Takeaways
13-05-2025
A deep dive into Upwork’s Q1 2025 earnings: AI growth, enterprise focus, and what freelancers should do next.
Why Clients Stay: Build Lasting Collaboration and Trust
07-05-2025
Learn small but powerful ways to build trust and turn one-time clients into long-term partners.
