Polyworkers is becoming a term to describe gig workers, freelancers, consultants, contractors, free-agents and even solopreneurs. In other words, those who choose to work multiple jobs typically out of desire rather than necessity.
The idea’s not new but now the word polyworkers describes those (mostly next-geners) who serve multiple clients and pursue multiple interests.
Sources: Rochester Business Journal (paywall) and Forbes.
Why is than an early signal?
-
It is anticipated that polyworkers will become an accepted term because “poly”-anything is already in the mainstream.
-
Language matters. When a new word is adopted widely, it creates new understanding, norms, and even policies. It gives us a way to describe and legitimize new way of working.