Release: New Survey Finds Most Consumers View App-Based Workers as Crucial to Key Community Needs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 7, 2022

Contact: media@flexassociation.org

New Survey Finds Overwhelming Majority of U.S. Consumers View App-Based Workers as Crucial to Key Community Needs

Majority (60%) of Americans have used app-based platforms, highlighting the importance of sound public policy for this sector

Washington, D.C. - An overwhelming majority of Americans see app-based platforms and those who earn on them as crucial to key community needs like safe transportation, supporting individuals with disabilities or illnesses, and access to food and other essentials, according to a new Morning Consult survey released by Flex, the voice of the app-based economy. The survey - which explored Americans’ sentiment towards platforms like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart, and Shipt - found that 6 in 10 Americans have used app-based platforms for various services, and nearly two-thirds say these services have positively impacted their lives.

The 3,010 consumers surveyed across the U.S. said that app-based earners are important for: safe transportation (80%), supporting those with disabilities or illness (79%), and providing access to food (77%) and essential items/supplies (78%).

The survey found that 60% of Americans have now used app-based platforms for various services, with the majority of that use beginning in the last two years (61%). Over half of respondents (51%) shared that a key benefit to using app-based platforms is time-savings. Of those who have not used app-based platforms, 54% say they are likely to use app-based platforms for various services in the future.

“This data shows that the vast majority of American consumers recognize the value of the app-based economy,” said Flex CEO Kristin Sharp. “Just as millions leverage these app-based platforms to unlock income earning opportunities in ways that make sense for them, millions count on these platforms to save time and make life easier.”

The data also has implications for ongoing policy discussions regarding worker classification. In October, Flex released the first national survey of app-based workers, which found that 77% of app-based workers prefer to remain independent contractors.

“Consumers understand that app-based workers and platforms are crucial to their lives and communities,” Sharp added. “In a time of deep economic uncertainty and historic inflation, policymakers should exercise caution in considering regulatory interventions that could increase costs for millions of American consumers.”

“As Mayor of Columbia, I saw the adoption of technology by workers and consumers change the fabric of our communities. Today millions use technology to innovate the ways they work and live: with the app-based economy as a prime example. Hundreds of millions of Americans have embraced app-based platforms to obtain services, earn on their own terms, and serve their communities.” said Mayor Steve Benjamin, Flex Chairman. “Flex Association looks forward to working with policymakers on solutions that expand these opportunities, and protect the innovation and flexibility reshaping our workforce.”

Methodology. The survey was conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of Flex from September 21-September 24, 2022 among a sample of 3,010 adults in the United States. Interviews were conducted online, and the data was weighted to approximate a target sample of Adults based on gender, age, race, educational attainment, and region. Results have a margin error of +/- 2 percentage points.

About Flex. Flex is the voice of the app-based economy, representing America's leading app-based rideshare and delivery platforms and the people who count on them. Our member companies —DoorDash, Gopuff, Grubhub, HopSkipDrive, Instacart, Lyft, Shipt, and Uber—help provide access to crucial goods and services to customers safely and efficiently, offer flexible earning opportunities to workers, and support economic growth in communities across the country. Together, we advocate for policies that enable our industry to continue delivering for the people who count on our platforms.

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