More employees turning to flexible jobs to cushion the impact of rising gas prices
More employees are turning to flexible jobs as gas prices increase, according to a new report, which highlighted the rising financial dependence on temporary work.
Data from Indeed Flex revealed that 78% of employees have taken on more flexible work because of the rising gas prices.
These costs have been going up over the past few weeks amid a global fuel crisis resulting from the conflict in the Middle East.
According to Indeed Flex, this uncertain environment has made 78% of employees become more selective about the jobs they accept, with 66% saying they have reduced how far they are willing to travel for work.
The findings reflect the accommodations that employees have been making to cushion the financial impact of the rising prices of goods.
Globally, there have also been reports of employees seeking fewer working days, while others have been taking time off work more often to ease fuel demand.
Financial dependence on flexible work
Employees turning further to flexible or temporary jobs reflect their growing dependence on this type of work.
Indeed's findings revealed that 71% of workers are already relying on flexible work as a primary or consistent secondary source of income, including 42% who say it is their primary income.
More than two in three (69%) employees said they use flexible work to pay for groceries, 54% for gas, and 34% for rent or mortgage.
Without flexible work, 50% of employees said they would struggle or be unable to cover their basic expenses, while 85% said they would be financially affected.
Novo Constare, CEO of Indeed Flex, said the findings indicate a "clear shift" in how people think about work.
"Flexible work is no longer just about earning extra income. For many, it is a reliable way to cover essential expenses and maintain financial stability, especially as everyday costs like gas continue to rise," Constare said in a statement.
Employers seeking to attract talent should also consider the trends that are arriving with flexible jobs, such as prioritising competitive pay, proximity, and flexibility, according to the report.
