A California Victory for “Free Birds” Everywhere

Tuesday: Return Driven Strategy FROM THE DESK OF MILES EVERSON: Welcome to today’s “Return Driven Strategy (RDS)!” I’m excited to delve into another interesting topic with you. For today’s article, we’ll talk about something different from our usual RDS. The reason is that I’m very much thrilled to share this good news with all of you! Are you ready? Dive into this article below to learn about the latest progress related to the gig economy in California. CEO, MBO Partners Chairman of the Advisory Board, The I Institute

A California Victory for “Free Birds” Everywhere As a proponent of individual choice for how people work, I am thrilled by the California Supreme Court’s July 25 ruling to uphold Proposition 22, allowing app-based workers to remain independent. This decision is a significant win for the “little guy”—the independent workers who value autonomy, freedom, and authenticity in their professional lives. It’s also a win for the voters of California, who overwhelmingly voted Proposition 22 into law in 2020, with 59% of the vote. The ruling underscores a fundamental truth about the modern workforce: Independent workers thrive on the flexibility and control that come with being their own bosses. For many workers, the ability to choose when, where, and how they work is not just a perk but a necessity. It allows them to balance personal commitments, pursue multiple income streams, and maintain a work-life harmony that traditional employment models often fail to provide. I call independent workers “Free Birds,” and this week’s ruling upheld the “free” quality that independent workers value so much. At MBO Partners, we have long championed the independent economy, recognizing that the rigid structures of yesteryear’s social contract will not be able to confine the future of work that has already arrived. Independent workers drive innovation and productivity across industries; their contributions are invaluable. This ruling affirms their right to operate in a manner that best suits their needs and preferences. Critics argue that independent workers miss out on benefits like health care and sick pay. However, Proposition 22 includes provisions for a wage floor and health care stipends for those who work sufficient hours, addressing some of these concerns while preserving the flexibility that is the hallmark of gig work. This balanced approach protects independents without stripping away the independence they cherish. The court’s decision highlights the importance of listening to the voices of the workers themselves. Many workers have expressed a clear preference for maintaining their independent status. They understand the trade-offs and have chosen autonomy over the constraints of traditional employment. This ruling respects their choice and acknowledges the diversity of worker needs in today’s economy. This decision also sets a precedent that could influence labor policies nationwide. It signals a shift towards recognizing and valuing the independent workforce, a trend likely to grow as more professionals seek the freedom and flexibility that gig work offers. The California Supreme Court’s ruling is a victory for “Free Birds” everywhere. It validates their desire for autonomy, supports their entrepreneurial spirit, and paves the way for a future where work is defined by choice and flexibility.br />  < (Miles Everson is the CEO of MBO Partners and the author of the forthcoming book, “Free Birds Revolution: The Future of Work and the Independent Mind.”) Hope you found this week’s insights interesting and helpful.< EXCITING NEWS AHEAD The world of work has shifted, and there’s no going back. The barriers to entry have never been lower for talented professionals to work independently, and today’s massive external workforce is hardly a pandemic-produced fad. Business owners can only survive in the new work landscape by partnering with this deep talent pool. With decades of experience in both small-business entrepreneurship and executive management at PwC, I truly believe that the future of work is independent. With that, I’m happy to share with you that my book, co-authored with Walter Scott Lamb, is now available for pre-order on Amazon! Free Birds Revolution: The Future of Work & The Independent Mind This is an essential read for both independent professionals and corporate executives. Here, we provide educational and practical guides to unpack the ever-growing workforce and offer you crucial ways to become a client of choice. Click on the link above to pre-order your copy. Let this book help you future-proof your career and organization in the new world of work.     Stay tuned for next Tuesday’s Return Driven Strategy! Embarking on an adventure, either alone or with the people we love is like unlocking a world of endless possibilities. Learn more about this company’s rebrand through the lens of RDS’ Tenet 6 in next week’s article!