The rise of independent work, including freelancers, contractors, and gig workers, has prompted federal agencies and state legislatures to consider reclassifying them as employees, potentially restricting their ability to work independently.
However, such efforts could harm this growing segment of the US labor force, and policymakers should instead provide independent contractors with more desirable options, such as portable benefits, that allow them to maintain their nontraditional arrangements while accessing work-related benefits.
Flexible work arrangements are increasingly becoming beneficial for a growing segment of working Americans, and portable benefits are becoming the best solution for maintaining these arrangements while also accessing work-related benefits.
Such benefits are a sustainable solution in the long run if the nature of work continues to change and flexible and diverse forms of work become the new norm.