en Japan publishes a survey report on the use of freelance agencies. User satisfaction was 72.3%, while project match quality was 76.8%, both high levels.

A survey on the use of freelance recruitment agents was conducted among users of the assignment-search engine for freelance engineers operated by en Inc. The respondents were 534 people with current or past experience using such services as freelancers, sole proprietors or freelance side-business workers. The survey reported current satisfaction of 72.3% and a 76.8% match rate for referred assignments. The detailed report was published as the 2026 edition and provides insight into how users obtain assignments and negotiate terms with a high degree of flexibility.

Among the key findings, freelance recruitment agents (intermediary and referral services) were the most frequently used means of obtaining assignments, at 44.8%, followed by referrals from acquaintances or former colleagues at 39.2%, assignment-matching platforms where users apply directly at 36.1%, and crowdsourcing at 34.5%. Use of multiple providers was common, with approximately 48.3% currently using more than one provider rather than limiting themselves to a single company.

The quality and rates of assignments and the accuracy of contracts and payments were each cited by roughly 40% of respondents as sources of satisfaction. Staff responsiveness, the speed of assignment referrals and understanding of specialist fields were also highly rated. Complaints included mismatched conditions in referred assignments, compatibility with the assigned representative and a lack of transparency around margins, indicating areas for improvement.