On May 26, the Direct Selling Association (DSA) was pleased to lend support to a Bloomberg Government breakfast for policymakers called The Workforce of the Future.  This major Washington, D.C. thought leadership event explored the growing trend of working independently from the perspectives of policymakers, academics and individuals who are in positions that allow them to empower members of independent workforces.

The highlight of the morning was the release of original research commissioned by DSA that sought to determine who independent workers are and what motivates them to work independently.  Academic experts, including Susan Duffy, Executive Director, Center for Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership at Babson College, joined a panel of four to consider the implications of a growing independent workforce.  As for the survey itself, the key findings were:

“One of the reasons direct sellers stay longer than many other industries is because of the relationship aspect…We are a relationship business at the core."