Hays Freelance
Market report 2023

Welcome to the Hays Denmark Freelance Market Report 2023. With this report, we aim to uncover how the specialist freelance market is evolving – and what tomorrow’s trends will be in an ever-changing world of work.

The last couple of years, we have witnessed unprecedented turbulence in various aspects of the global landscape, profoundly impacting the world of work as we know it. In the midst of this uncertainty, many businesses have tapped into opportunities for record growth and profit. However, more than ever before, they are facing the imperative of adaptability to remain competitive. They must respond quickly to dynamic market trends and changing customer demands.

On top of this, we are experiencing a persistent and substantial skill shortage, necessitating the engagement of specialised professionals to drive projects and foster growth. Simultaneously, workers have become increasingly assertive in expressing their needs and preferences in the wake of transformative events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This paradigm shift has revolutionised the workplace and redefined the expectations for our professional environments. As a result, freelancing has emerged as an appealing solution for many businesses and workers alike, enabling flexibility and adaptability in an ever-evolving world of work – in fact, 67% point to flexible hours as one of the biggest benefits to freelancing.

In light of these observations, we aim to delve into the current state of the freelance market and explore how the prevailing volatility affects its dynamics. We have examined the impact on both the demand and supply sides. We have talked to decisionmakers and hiring managers in the organisations that hire freelancers, and we have talked to the freelancers who work hard to make a difference for their clients.

By understanding the intricate interplay between market dynamics and the freelance ecosystem, we hope to provide valuable and critical insights to assist organisations and freelancers alike in adapting to the evolving landscape. We have identified trends, shared best practices, and made recommendations for successful engagement with freelance consultants. Ultimately, our hope is that this knowledge can empower businesses to harness the full potential of using freelancers as a strategic resource in driving growth and adaptability.

We look forward to sharing and discussing the findings of our survey, interviews, and analysis on the following pages. By leveraging the power of freelance talent, we can collectively shape a future where organisations thrive and professionals flourish amidst an ever-changing world of work.

Lastly, I’d like to thank all of the respondents who took the time to complete our survey, as well as the leaders and hiring managers who participated in interviews. Without your help, we would not be able to provide these insights.

Vibe Puggaard
Managing Director, Hays Denmark

Published 11/7/2023.