New M Squared Consulting Survey Finds The New Way of Work is Working Well

Annual Poll Finds Independent Consultants Bullish, Satisfied With Career Choice

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (March 15, 2011) –  With up to 20 percent of the workforce at large enterprises now considered contingent labor, the American workscape is changing, and the independent consultants who are leading the charge are confident about their careers and the economy, according to a new survey released today by M Squared Consulting.

“The economic recovery is being enabled in large measure by the contingent workforce,” said John Kunzweiler, CEO of M Squared Consulting, the leading provider of project experts and consultants to large enterprises.  “The top-tier of the flexible workforce is expanding at a time when businesses are seeking to contain costs and boost revenues.”

The annual M Squared survey found that 76 percent of respondents are satisfied or extremely satisfied with their career choice as independent consultants.  In addition, more than 80 percent of surveyed independent consultants are either cautiously optimistic or very optimistic about the economy in 2011, and more than half expect their revenues to increase this year.

Program or project management (34 percent) topped the chosen consultant practice areas, with professionals in these functions helping companies address problems and apply innovative solutions.  When asked what they value most in an engagement, consultants cited the opportunity to work with well-known clients, followed by desires for variety and challenge.   When asked why they became independent consultants, 58 percent reported the need for interesting and challenging work, 50 percent wanted their own business, and 50 percent of respondents sought better work/life balance (participants could select more than one response).

Consultants named cost containment as the top challenge facing clients (38 percent), followed by revenue growth (37 percent), operational efficiency (33 percent), change management (31 percent) and government regulations (21 percent). 

The nationwide poll of independent consultants in M Squared’s network took place between January 28 and February 4, 2011.

About M Squared Consulting
Founded in 1988, M Squared Consulting is the leading provider of project experts and consultants to large enterprises for solving important business challenges. A pioneer in the growing flexible workforce industry, M Squared delivers quality and value for clients by providing unparalleled, targeted consultant expertise from its premier network of project professionals.  For more information about M Squared Consulting, visit www.msquared.com or call 888-818-2505.

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