By Special to the Town Crier

American workers are continuing to punch out from the traditional 9-to-5 job scene in favor of becoming “free agent” workers, a new study shows.

A survey of 1,000 working adults, sponsored by staffing leader Kelly Services, indicates that 26 percent of the American workforce is composed of temporary/contract workers, or “free agents,” with another 17 percent considering joining them.

Assuming the economy rebounds from its current funk, it is possible that within the next decade they could make up 41 percent of the work force, the study shows.

Free agents are defined as workers employed outside the traditional labor force in such positions as freelancers, independent professionals, full-time temporary workers, consultants and contractors.

“Free agents are searching for more job satisfaction with fewer restrictions than with conventional employment,” said Carl T. Camden, executive vice president, field operations, sales and marketing, for Kelly Services, one of the world’s largest temporary employment agencies.

“The trend to become a free agent is especially true among those under 30 years old,” said Camden. “They are the group most interested in free agency and account for this potential strong growth of temporary and contract workers of the future.”

One way for employers to solve a skilled employee shortage is to provide on-site career development and training or to give employees the opportunity to seek training elsewhere. But even here, employers may face difficulty.

In the Kelly survey, 80 percent of workers said their employer is interested in providing more training, however less than half, 44 percent of respondents, felt it was important for them to get additional training.

“To benefit the employer and the employee, training must be taken and given for the right reason,” Camden said.

the company achieve its business objectives and at the same time, prepare employees toward greater responsibility and give them the feeling they are progressing in their career.”

The national workforce study was designed to continue exploration of the trend toward free agency in the United States. It follows a national workforce study that was completed last year. For more information, see the Kelly Services Web site at www.kelly services.com or call a local Kelly Services branch.