58% of Consumers Belong to the Connected Work Economy

In today’s ConnectedEconomy™, employed consumers work an average of approximately 43 hours each week, with many putting in even more hours. This is just one example of how the ongoing digitization of the U.S. and global economy is reshaping consumers’ lives.

According to the February edition of The ConnectedEconomy™ Monthly Report, which is based on PYMNTS’ survey of roughly 2,500 U.S. consumers, just over half of consumers work more than the traditional 40-hour week, and just under half work less.

Get the report: The ConnectedEconomy™ Monthly Report

Among all employed consumers, 7% work up to 20 hours a week, 29% work between 20 and 40 hours, 40% work between 40 and 60 hours and 16% work more than 60 hours a week.

Most consumers work outside traditional office hours at least once a month. PYMNTS found that 58% of consumers check on work when they are not at their physical office or outside of normal working hours, and 36% work remotely while on vacation.

About one-third of consumers are using digital platforms to start their own businesses or source jobs, such as in the gig economy. PYMNTS found that within the last 30 days, 37% of consumers have used existing platforms and digital tools to start their own business, and 33% have used a platform like Care.com, Uber, Upwork, Fiver or TaskRabbit to locate paid jobs or clients.

The ConnectedEconomy™ has changed the traditional 9-to-5 in many ways. Many consumers are now working outside the traditional office hours, putting in their hours from any location they choose and building their own businesses or pursuing other professional endeavors in the gig economy.