- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- AppreciationCareersWork
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every August 16
- Holiday emoji:
- 👩💻
National Independent Worker Day champions the entrepreneurial spirit every August 16. This day recognizes the vital contributions of freelancers, independent contractors, and small business owners who drive innovation and economic growth. Celebrate their self-sufficiency by supporting independent businesses, sharing their stories, and advocating for their rights.
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History of National Independent Worker Day
The United States recognizes and honors millions of freelancers, self-employed people, small business owners, contractors and others. The term ’freelancer’ is widely credited to Sir Walter Scott in Ivanhoe in 1820 to describe a “medieval mercenary warrior” or ’free-lance’ meaning that the lance is not sworn to any lord’s services, it does not imply that the lance is available for free. The word first appeared in Thomas N. Brown’s 1809 book “The Life and Times of Hugh Miller.” Around the 1860s, ’freelance’ became a figurative noun, and authorities in etymology, such as the Oxford English Dictionary, acknowledged it as a verb in 1903.
In the United States, the group of independent workers consists of people who belong to different age groups,possess a different range of skills and gain different levels of income. They all have a strong desire to be self-sufficient. This is not a group to dismiss or undervalue. The independent workforce is a powerful economic group that generates trillions of dollars for the United States economy. It is a robust, growing, and evolving segment.
In 2019, iPSE-U.S., the Association of Independent Workers, established the Independent Worker Day. The I.P.S.E. is a non-profit organization based in the United Kingdom. It was founded in 1999 under the name Professional Contractors Group (P.C.G.) as a protest group against the IR35 tax statute and later became a representative group for freelancing in the United Kingdom. In September 2014, the P.C.G. changed its name to I.P.S.E. and expanded its constituency to include all 4.3 million freelance and self-employed employees in the United Kingdom.
National Independent Worker Day timeline
The word first appears in Thomas N. Brown's book, “The Life and Times of Hugh Miller.”
The Oxford English Dictionary acknowledges the word ‘freelance’ as a verb in.
In September, the Professional Contractors Group changes its name to the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed.
iPSE-U.S., the Association of Independent Workers, establishes National Independent Worker Day.
National Independent Worker Day FAQs
When is National Independent Worker Day?
National Independent Worker Day 2026 falls on Sunday, August 16. It’s a dedicated day to acknowledge the growing independent workforce and their significant economic impact.
How many independent workers are there in the U.S.?
Estimates suggest there are roughly 60 million independent workers in the U.S., a number that continues to grow. This includes freelancers, gig workers, and small business owners.
What are the benefits of independent work?
Independent work offers significant benefits like flexibility, autonomy, and the ability to pursue passion projects. It empowers individuals to control their schedules and choose their clients and assignments.
Is independent work growing?
Yes, independent work is a rapidly expanding sector of the economy, driven by technological advancements and a desire for greater work-life balance. The trend shows continued growth across many industries.
National Independent Worker Day Activities
Help a small business succeed
Small business owners spend time and effort curating their items to meet the needs of their clients. Use this day to show your support for a small business and to encourage them.
Post on social media
Share your tale online if you are a freelancer, self-employer, or an independent worker. If you aren't, and you know someone who is, tell them about it today!
Show off your talent
Today is for all self-employed people, regardless of their age, ethnicity, gender, or religion. Take advantage of this chance to show off your skills so don’t sell yourself short.
5 Interesting Facts About Freelancers
Most freelancers are female
Women make up the majority (about 70%) of freelancers.
Different career levels
Contrary to popular belief, a survey found that freelancers can be found in all career levels, from entry-level jobs to owner- or executive-level jobs.
A major economic force
The self-employed sector is a major economic force, contributing $1.28 trillion to the United States economy in 2018.
36% of workers are freelancers
In the United States, there are 56 million freelancers, or around 36%, of the overall employed individuals.
Different income resources
Approximately 25% of freelancers hold a full-time job, meaning that they are not only reliant on their full-time positions for their source of income.
Why We Love National Independent Worker Day
It encourages jobs that aid in income supplementation
To boost their income, independent workers use their work as a side hustle. This group grew by 6.3% to 15 million people in 2019, an increase of more than 40% since 2016.
Self-employed workers boost the economy
Independent workers have been found to contribute to a country's revenue. In 2019, self-employed employees contributed $1.3 trillion to the United States economy, which is nearly equivalent to Spain's whole G.D.P.
It honors self-employed workers
With International Worker Day usually observed for more traditional workers in May, independent workers get their own day in August. They deserve it!
