Chamber Report Highlights Growth of 'Entrepreneurial Workforce'

WASHINGTON, D.C.—A new report by the United States Chamber of Commerce chronicles the rise of an entrepreneurial workforce that has turned away from traditional employment and work schedules in favor of a broad range of alternatives such as flextime, telecommuting, independent contracting, and small business ownership.

"With the jobless rate at just 4.7 percent, traditional employment in our economy remains strong," said U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas Donohue. "Yet a growing number of Americans are seeking work arrangements that offer greater income potential, more flexibility in work schedules, and a better balance between career and family."

The report, Work, Entrepreneurship, and Opportunity in 21st Century America, cites government estimates that identify the broad scope of the entrepreneurial workforce, including: 27 million workers on flextime; 25 million part-time workers; 20 million telecommuters; 17 million Americans engaged in direct selling; 10.3 million independent contractors; 10.2 million self-employed; and some 24 million small businesses—18 million of which are sole proprietorships with no employees. (Some individuals may fall into more than one of these categories.)

The Chamber report notes that the growth of the entrepreneurial workforce has triggered resistance from some union leaders, trial lawyers, and others who oppose flexible workplace rules and are invested in the status quo.

"Those who resist the trend toward an entrepreneurial workforce will hurt, not help, our workers and our economy," Donohue stated. "The better approach is to help Americans seize new economic opportunities by modernizing outmoded rules designed for an earlier economic era."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

 Report: Work, Entrepreneurship, and Opportunity in 21st Century America

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