- Nontraditional work (e.g., freelancing, contracting, gig, and self-employment) is a growing sector of the labor force, with about 39 percent of US workers engaging in this type of work as either their primary or supplementary source of income.
- Generally, individuals engage in this type of work to have greater flexibility or to make additional income.
- Flexible arrangements are transformative for women, who have been driving the growth in the nontraditional workforce.
- Policies that aim to reclassify nontraditional workers as employees are counterproductive; improving access to portable benefits is the most fruitful avenue to address this workforce’s concerns.
Stranded by the Safety Net: Addressing Benefit Cliffs to Assist Families and Businesses
June 3, 2026 | Angela Rachidi
Chairman Ernst, Ranking Member Markey, and members of the Small Business Committee. Thank you for...
