That more people are embracing a new term for workers likely represents more than a trendy new buzzword. It shows that employers and employees anticipate a future of work in which employers are even less firmly tied to their workers than they are today.

Indeed, the survey shows far more employers now say they are committed to "building an agile workforce" composed of both full-time workers and part-time contractors. Forty-six percent said so last year, compared to only 18 percent in 2012.

Randstad reports 76 percent of companies are already using "agile" employees, and that such workers account for 30 percent of their labor, on average.

In total, 11 percent of the U.S. workers already consider themselves "agile" workers who make their living as independent contractors or consultants. As the world becomes even more connected by technology, allowing those in need of labor to connect with skilled professionals from across the world, that percentage is likely to increase. Thirty-nine percent of full-time employees tell Randstad they will consider becoming agile workers in the next two or three years.

Why do employees go the freelance route? There are myriad reasons, in addition to obvious lifestyle benefits that come from not having a permanent boss. Fifty-six percent say that it allows them to make more money and 48 percent say it offers them better career growth opportunities.