When it comes to the gig economy, the word ‘diversification’ doesn’t always come to mind. Although ‘flexibility’ steals the headlines, the benefits of a diverse gig economy, where workers choose from a vast array of jobs, often goes under-appreciated. It’s a world still consumed by thoughts of Uber and Deliveroo, which for a market that prides itself on providing choice and flexibility, is something of a paradox. However, things are slowly beginning to change.
The rise of the gig economy will see 1.5 million full-time workers in 2018 leave their full-time job for gig economy work and the decision to jump ship could be down to a growing number of businesses offering such work. It’s an exciting prospect that shows just how cost-effective and efficient this labour market is.
Flexibility is a key selling point for the millennial generation, who are notoriously ambitious workers looking for experience, variety, purpose and growth.
As gig economy operators ourselves, we’ve noticed a considerable shift when it comes to the market’s businesses appeal. In fact, GIG’s Seekers have recently been Brand Ambassadors for a Cruise line, stubbed tickets for the Rolling Stones, pouring pints at ODI Cricket, been retail assistants for high-end fashion brands, hospitality supervisors in France for Le Mans, attended TRNSMT Festival, and been waiters/bartenders at the Scottish Grand National. The fact is, the gig economy can save money, time, and hassle, and more businesses are waking up to this fact than ever before.
So where does job diversity come into it?
The answer is simple: variety provides the worker with more experience, a wider and more comprehensive set of skills, as well as a general confidence that allows them to tackle and excel in a role more effectively. As a result, businesses embracing the gig economy will inevitably gain a more rounded worker.
By providing more variety, alongside more control and flexibility, we’re unsurprisingly seeing happier workers that are more productive and efficient at work
However, a key benefit of this system for business can also be seen in the type of worker it attracts – millennials. Flexibility is a key selling point for the millennial generation, who are notoriously ambitious workers looking for experience, variety, purpose and growth. Therefore, as more businesses enter the gig economy space, a wider pool of skilled, enthusiastic young workers will follow suit.
The same can be said for productivity. As we expand and diversify our job opportunities for GIG Seekers, we’ve noticed a considerable shift in worker satisfaction, motivation and loyalty. These are obvious key attributes that all businesses are looking for in a worker and some businesses fear they’re missing traits of the gig economy. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. By providing more variety, alongside more control and flexibility, we’re unsurprisingly seeing happier workers that are more productive and efficient at work. It’s a reflection that we’re pushing things in the right direction and it’s a key sign that variety and productivity positively correlate in the gig economy.
Of course, as the gig economy expands beyond the realms of just taxi and courier driving, risk lurks in the shadow. There is still the issue of exploitation and a misunderstanding over what it means to be a gig economy worker – a huge issue that we’re passionate about fixing through our Make Gig Work, Work campaign.
However, with the right guidance, the future of the gig economy looks incredibly bright. Its choice-driven, flexible nature, which could arguably be credited to the rise of mobile technology and a culture of one-click ordering, shows no sign of stopping. As a cost-effective, highly efficient and transparent form of work, the gig economy will inevitably attract more businesses and industries looking to adopt what’s been proclaimed the “future of work”.
Right now, ‘flexibility’ is the gig economy’s trademark, however, ‘diversity’ will soon follow as a synonymous noun and with it will come a greater quality of worker, more attractive and empathetic work cultures, and more opportunities for growth. The trick is to get in early.
Ever wondered what an on-demand temp employment strategy could do for your business? With a diverse portfolio of skilled workers, get in touch with GIG today to learn more - sales@gigtogig.co.uk
コメント