Contractors happy chappies despite pay cuts

Beverley Head
Tuesday, 01 September 2009 08:31

IT Industry - Market

“The results from the IPro (Independent Professional) Index study confirm that the world of work is changing and that Australian organisations better start taking a good look at just what their workforce really is. As more workers opt for the freedom and flexibility of the IPro lifestyle the traditional carrots of security, paid holidays and sick leave seem to have lost their charm and employers are going to have to deal with an educated, self aware and very competent individual who has plenty to offer the organisation – but may provide organisations with the challenge of what can they offer them in return,” said Dr McKeown.

Matthew Franceschini, ceo of Entity Solutions which provides management services to contractors and companies employing them, said that sponsoring the research would provide a better understanding of the factors motivating independent professionals.

“The survey shows the real pull into that way of life - for the freedom, the variety of work, the sense of ownership. There is a highly held view that these people are mercenaries and just after the money. This research does not bear that out,” Franceschini told iTWire.

The IPro Index 2009 is calculated from responses to a series of questions measuring contractors’ perceptions regarding their lifestyle, wellbeing, commitment to current client, support from current client and responses to current trends. This year the Index has been scored at 6.7/10 and will form the benchmark level for future years’ surveys.

According to Franceschini; “The 2009 IPro Index score sets a benchmark for future annual surveys and for ongoing research into the professional contracting workforce. It has been designed to help enhance our understanding of an often ignored but significant proportion of Australia's working population.”