A flexible way to reach financial stability: New study highlights the motivations and goals of Wolt courier partners

> More than 20,000 Wolt courier partners helped shed light on the platform economy in a comprehensive study by Copenhagen Economics.

> Over 150,000 people are on the waiting list to become Wolt courier partners globally, underscoring the rising demand for flexible work outside of traditional employment.

> 75% of couriers agree that delivering on Wolt offers them the flexibility to decide when and how much to work compared to other earning opportunities. 

> 64% of couriers feel less stressed about their finances, thanks to delivering on Wolt.

For many courier partners, local commerce platform Wolt represents a new kind of work that provides flexibility as a way to reach financial stability. In a broad study conducted by Copenhagen Economics, courier partners highlight the unique freedom and flexibility that Wolt offers as their main motivation to work as courier partners - something that the vast majority agree they cannot find elsewhere in the labor market.

Courier partners are independent contractors who can freely decide when, how, and how much they work. This level of flexibility resonates strongly with the workforce. Wolt’s internal data reveals that over 150,000 people across Wolt’s 28 markets are currently on the waiting list to become courier partners. This reflects the growing appeal of this work model.

Financial stability is also a key motivation for Wolt’s courier partners. According to the Copenhagen Economics study, couriers’ financial goals vary; many deliver on Wolt to finance their studies or generate savings, while others support their existing income to cover daily expenses. What the majority have in common is that they feel less financially stressed thanks to delivering on Wolt. 

Wolt courier partners appreciate that they can work when they want and as much or as little as they like, with the flexibility to vary their hours from day to day.

• 75% of couriers agree that delivering on Wolt offers a kind of flexibility - to decide when and how much to work - that they cannot get from other earning opportunities, 

• 79% of courier partners say they partner with Wolt because they prefer this to other earning opportunities, 

• 73% are satisfied or very satisfied with delivering on Wolt.

• 67% appreciate the ability to fit deliveries around other activities (hobbies, family, or studies)

Wolt helps courier partners reach versatile financial goals: 

• 64% of couriers feel less stressed about their financial situation thanks to delivering on Wolt. 

• 59% of couriers say they deliver on Wolt to pay off debt or generate savings.

• 23% of couriers deliver to finance their studies or their own business.

“The study shows that Wolt’s flexible earning opportunities empower people to earn on their own terms while meeting the growing demand for freedom and financial security,”  said Tuomas Hurmerinta, Global Head of Operations at Wolt. “As the demand for flexible work continues to rise, Wolt is always working hard to provide innovative, accessible opportunities that empower individuals in the platform economy.”

Over 260,000 courier partners worldwide serve millions of customers who place orders from 170,000 venues on the Wolt platform. 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.

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.