Over half (54%) of UK workers say they are more open to taking on a side hustle or freelance work since the Covid-19 pandemic, according to new research from Fiverr. Over 2 in 5 (44%) agree they are more open to it, due to the flexibility that working from home has given them.

“In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, more businesses are tapping into remote, freelance talent than ever before. Managers have become comfortable managing remote talent and businesses have realized that by working with freelancers, they are able to increase their agility and flexibility, which allows them to scale quickly” said Micha Kaufman, Fiverr CEO. “However, every business is built differently and has needs that are unique to them. Subscriptions gives our community members control over how they want to work together and empowers them to work in ways that best suit their needs.”

Financial security is the key motivator for many workers to take on a second income in 2021. Nearly one-third (30%) said they are more open because they are concerned for their job security and one-fifth (20%) said they have had a pay decrease so want to add another revenue stream.

The study also revealed a significant number of workers are looking to change their job or career in 2021.  2 in 5 (40%) of employees surveyed agree that 2020 has increased the likelihood of them looking for a new job in 2021.

The study, conducted by Fiverr (NYSE:FVRR), surveyed 1,046 UK workers (including 50 freelancers) who worked remotely this year – also found that 40% of UK workers agree that working from home has made them realise that full-time freelancing could be a legitimate career option.

Liron Smadja, Senior Director of Global Brand Marketing & International Expansion at Fiverr, said: “2020 was a challenging year financially, so it’s unsurprising that so many are looking to supplement their income in 2021. Nearly a third (30%) of UK employees surveyed agreed that they are likely to specifically take on freelance work in 2021 – this is due to the technology and options that exist for anyone with a digital skill to begin building their own passive income. In 2021, we’ll see work continue to transform as employees explore new options available to them, beyond the confines of the traditional office”