Independent workers (freelancers, gig workers, independent contractors, etc.) consistently report a major benefit of being independent is the work flexibility, autonomy, and control it provides.
It turns out having work flexibility, autonomy, and control may also mean you are at less risk of dying.
According to a recent study published in the Journal of Psychology, limited work autonomy and control can lead to mental health problems and an increased risk of death.
And while the study didn't specifically look at independent workers, the results are highly likely to apply to them.
Key quotes from the Science Daily article Is your job killing you? Stress, lack of autonomy, ability can lead to depression, death, which covers the study:
"We found that work stressors are more likely to cause depression and death as a result of jobs in which workers have little control ... job demands resulted in better physical health and a lower likelihood of death when paired with more control of work responsibilities."
We learned from our work on the MBO Partners State of Independence study series that independents workers report being both happier and healthier working on their own than if they worked in a traditional job.
A key reason is most have work autonomy and control.
This research shows it's not just a perception on the part of independent workers. Work flexibility, autonomy, and control actually do improve mental and physical well-being.
