Freelance communications workers in the UK: the impact of gender on well-being

In an era when all workers are experiencing ever increasing stress levels, it may be anticipated that the move from traditional employment to freelance working would have a positive impact on the degree of occupational stress reported. In a recent UK survey of 190 freelance consultants (women n = 133; men n = 57) in the public relations and communications industry this expectation was indeed found to be supported. Over half of respondents stated that they were definitely less stressed than when they were employed and almost all reported that they were as healthy or healthier. The findings show that the positive benefits of freelance working for PR/communications consultants are significantly greater for women, who not only experience more health benefits than men, but also report significantly more improvements in their personal relationships and are significantly more satisfied with life.