The impact of the gig economy on HR and employment practices

 


What is gig economy?

According to data on the gig economy, a free-market system exists where businesses and independent workers enter into temporary employment contracts. Gig word refers to an employee of a short time. A gig economy consists of different job roles including the following.


  • Freelancers 
  • Consultants
  • Independent contractors and professionals
  • temporary contract workers

They are called ‘gig’ workers. They exist in every sector and engage in formal agreements with businesses to render services without being on the business payroll. The gig economy is now becoming more and more well-known among generations as modern working trends shift to virtual workplaces. Due to the majority of employees' willingness to participate in the gig economy, HR professionals are now faced with the task of retaining those workers in order to expand the organization's talent pool (Rajamanickem,2018)

One advantage of the gig economy is that it frees up company resources like office space and training costs. Additionally, it offers benefits to workers like a better work-life balance and the flexibility to select the gigs or jobs they are interested in. Despite the charm of gig work, workers seem to trade it for a pitiful salary, limited or no retirement benefits, complex tax laws, and out-of-pocket equipment expenses.

         Source :https://www.youtube.com/@GCFLearnFree

Nowadays, the gig economy is becoming more popular among Gen Z and millennial workers. This trend is slightly observed in other age groups as well. HR professionals are now tasked with the challenge of retaining those workers in order to increase the organization's talent pool because the majority of employees are willing to engage in the gig economy. Gen X and baby boomers are leaving the workforce, so it's time for HR bodies to make plans to entice more gig workers. According to the Deloitte Global Millennial Survey, 84% of millennials and 81% of Gen Z applicants are prepared to work in the gig economy in 2019(Hsenidbiz, 2022).

 In order for organizations to change their organizational structures, it is necessary to identify the positions within the organization that are suitable for the gig economy. HR people can identify these types of jobs within a company. So that, they can fill out them easily. Because they labor independently, freelancers are more engaged, creative, and motivated than traditional employees. Consequently, having particular job roles for gig workers can boost organizational productivity. Gig workers are not loyal to any one company because they work for so many different companies, but they will adhere to any limits established by the employer.

 The most noteworthy aspect of the gig economy is that workers are willing to work flexible hours. The majority of applicants value work-life balance and place a high priority on employment flexibility. Therefore, if the company wishes to recruit more gig workers, flexibility must be used. HR can resolve this problem by luring valuable talent to the company with more flexible work schedules, remote employment possibilities, competitive base salaries, and vacation pay( Rajamanickem,2018).

 When it comes to performance management, the gig workers must be evaluated on a different performance evaluation metric. Also, the objectives that are assigned to gig workers should be short term and there should be a specific outcome. HR should work on preparing a suitable performance matrix and defining clear objectives. In a gig economy, there will be frequent exits and hires. Therefore, HR must always prepare for them and should have a contingency plan and succession plan to cater full-time and gig workers( Rajamanickem,2018)

 Training and career development are a critical factors of employment.  This is not a short-term goal but takes a longer period to train an employee and improve the productivity of the business. When compared to a full-time employee, the learning objectives for a gig worker should be carefully managed. For the capability-building strategy, focused, manageable learning that produces immediate results on the work must be selected. Long-term training and workshops that cost too much will not be profitable for the company.

It's challenging to run staff in the gig economy. HR must have a comprehensive understanding of these workers' needs and goals. The gig economy has already become a trend and businesses depend on the gig economy to seek talent given the population growth and the business environment's increased dynamic.

References:

1. Hsenidbiz. (2022, December 22). Ways in Which the Gig Economy Impact on Current Human Resource Practices. Accessed on March 9, 2023, from https://hsenidbiz.com/apac/blog/ways-which-gig-economy-impact-on-current-human-resource-practices-hsenidbiz-blog#:~:text=The%20most%20significant%20impact%20of,gig%20workers%20to%20the%20organisation.

2. Rajamanickem, A. (2018, August 8). The Role of HR in the Gig Economy. Retrieved March 11, 2023, from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/role-hr-gig-economy-abinaya-rajamanickem/

Comments

  1. Replies
    1. Thank you for your feedback! I'm glad that you found the topic well elaborated.

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  2. The gig economy has had a significant impact on HR and employment practices, creating new opportunities and challenges for companies and workers alike. Good article.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your feedback. The gig economy has indeed brought about significant changes to the traditional employment landscape, presenting both opportunities and challenges for companies and workers.

      Delete
  3. Good work.
    The gig economy has had a significant impact on HR and employment practices. HR departments need to be aware of the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the gig economy and develop strategies to effectively manage their companies' relationships with gig workers.
    Well done.

    ReplyDelete

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