Global growth in flexible labor prior to the recession that began in 2007 did not come at the expense of traditionally hired workers, according to findings in the new Flexibility@work report released by Randstad Holding NV.

The report defines flexible labor as “all forms of labor that enables the external numerical adjustment of the labor intake by employers; this can be achieved by employing workers on fixed-term contracts, hiring workers through temporary employment agencies or by hiring labor services from self-employed workers.”

The report also said there is no trade-off between different forms of flexible labor. “Observations in Europe show that growth or decline in the different forms of flexible labor can be attributed to changes in both local societal and economic structures and in institutions and legislation,” the report said.

“Flexibility@work 2013 demonstrates that the way in which specific forms of flexible labor relations develop, depends on the specific demands of the various national labor markets, and therefore varies widely,” said Randstad CEO Ben Noteboom. “These demands may be related to the need for innovation, the rise or decline in certain economic sectors, or the economic cycle, to name just a few possible influences.”

For more on the report, click here.