New study reveals diverse demographics, motivations, and policy preferences of Wolt courier partners

> More than 20,000 courier partners participated in the 2024 study by Copenhagen Economics.

> 87% prefer to work as independent contractors, valuing flexibility over employment status.

> 81% urge policymakers to protect their ability to choose when and how to work.

> 42% of couriers have other jobs, and 21% are students using Wolt for supplemental income.

Helsinki, 11 November – A comprehensive survey conducted by Copenhagen Economics sheds light on the diverse backgrounds, motivations, and policy preferences of Wolt courier partners, highlighting the importance of flexibility and financial stability in the platform economy. The survey, which gathered insights from over 20,000 couriers across 23 countries, underscores flexible work's role in courier partners’ lives.

The study shows that Wolt courier partners are as diverse as the communities they serve:

• 42% have full- or part-time jobs outside Wolt.

• 21% are students, balancing studies with part-time platform work.

• 17% are self-employed also outside the gig economy.

The average age of a Wolt courier is 36, and 40% have pursued further education beyond high school, with 22% holding university degrees. This data portrays courier partners as empowered individuals who leverage flexible platform work to support their personal and professional goals.

The appeal of flexibility resonates strongly among Wolt courier partners:

• 75% of couriers agree that delivering on Wolt offers flexibility to decide when and how much to work - a level of flexibility not easily found elsewhere. 

• 67% appreciate the freedom to fit deliveries on Wolt around other commitments, such as family and hobbies.

• 79% prefer delivering on Wolt over other earning opportunities, demonstrating the value of platform work as a part-time solution that meets modern workforce needs.

Wolt’s internal data reveals that over 200,000 people across Wolt’s 28 markets are currently on the waiting list to start delivering on Wolt as courier partners - evidence of the growing appeal of this work model.

Flexible work opportunities on Wolt support couriers in reaching financial stability:

• 64% of couriers feel less stressed about their financial situation due to Wolt.

• 59% use their earnings to generate savings or repay debt.

• 23% deliver to finance studies or start a business.

Wolt’s internal data shows that courier partners make deliveries an average of 8 hours per week, with 83% delivering fewer than 20 hours weekly. For most, Wolt is a preferred option for part-time, flexible work.

As EU member states localize the EU Platform Work Directive, the voices of couriers must be heard:

• 87% of couriers prefer the freedom of being independent contractors to employment.

• 81% believe new laws should protect their right to choose when and how they work.

• Only 9% feel heard by policymakers and 8% by labor unions, illustrating a gap in representation.

“Wolt couriers have made it clear: they value their independence and want to protect the flexibility of being independent contractors. To date, their perspective has been largely ignored in the political debate,” said Tuomas Hurmerinta, Global Head of Operations at Wolt. “The study’s findings align with Wolt’s commitment to supporting couriers' needs for flexibility with enhanced protections, giving them the opportunity to achieve their goals by earning what they need, when they need it and on their own terms.”

To learn more about couriers’ perspectives and explore the survey results, visit www.courierinsights.com. 

The research was conducted by Copenhagen Economics, one of Europe’s leading economics firms. The study gathered responses from over 20,000 courier partners across 23 countries. The survey took place in June 2024, gathering insights from couriers delivering on the Wolt platform between April and June 2024 in Austria, Azerbaijan, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden.