SHARE ECONOMY ON THE RISE IN CHASE FOR WORK-LIFE BALANCE

MORE Australian workers plan to maximise their free time by outsourcing chores, as well as opt for flexibility of hours over a pay rise, according to Airtasker.

The Sydney-based outsourcing marketplace's Future of Work study reveals that up to 38 per cent of Australians intend to employ others to complete household tasks this year. Around 30 per cent of Australians already outsource chores.

The majority of workers at 38 per cent also indicated that flexibility was more important to them than pay while looking for work the first time this result has occurred in the study series.

Airtasker CEO Tim Fung (pictured) says the research confirms several workplace trends that arose last year, particularly a distinct shift in the employee mindset.

"The idea of attaining a work-life balance is no longer about the amount of hours worked," Fung says.

"It's now all about getting the most out of your free time, and maximising your earning potential by working smarter.

"Now that Australian workers can earn a sizeable, reliable income while maintaining a flexible lifestyle by working on sharing economy platforms, traditional employers will need to think about how they can create an equally enticing work environment.

"Meanwhile, Aussie consumers are learning that they can get even more done by outsourcing their chores to locals in their neighbourhood they're creating free time while getting more done."

About 40 per cent of those surveyed intend to look for a new job this year, while 80 per cent want to find ways to supplement their regular income.

The majority believe that the traditional employment model of 9-5 office job is inflexible for workers in the future at 81.5 per cent, up from 76.4 per cent in 2015.

There has also been an increase in the number of Australians who have used a sharing economy service or app to earn extra income, from 4.1 per cent last year to 6.1 per cent.

The findings come as part of Airtasker and Pureprofile's third Future of Work study, which surveyed 1002 Australians on work and life trends.