The benefits of gig work go beyond a non-traditional work schedule. Gig economy apps like Fiverr and Upwork, and gig economy companies like Uber and AirBnB have completely transformed the way people plan their careers. But another side effect of gig work and flexible contracts is that they can positively impact workforce diversity.
The Gig Economy: A Catalyst for Diversity
The rise of platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, Uber, and Airbnb has dramatically transformed career planning and execution. Beyond offering non-traditional work schedules, these gig economy giants have inadvertently become powerful tools for promoting workforce diversity.
- Merit-Based Selection: Gig work often prioritizes skills and performance over demographic factors, potentially reducing unconscious biases in hiring processes.
- Flexible Working Conditions: The adaptable nature of gig work attracts talent from various backgrounds, cultures, and demographics.
- Inclusive Opportunities: Gig work can be particularly appealing to individuals who may face barriers in traditional employment, such as working parents, people with disabilities, or those from minority groups.
Embracing the Gig Economy for a More Diverse Workforce
To harness the power of the gig economy in promoting workforce diversity, organizations must focus on several key areas. Embracing diversity through gig work can lead to numerous benefits for businesses:
- Enhanced Innovation: Diverse teams bring varied perspectives, fostering creativity and problem-solving.
- Improved Customer Understanding: A diverse workforce can better relate to and address the needs of a broad customer base.
- Attracting Top Talent: Companies that embrace diversity often appeal to a wider pool of skilled professionals.
- Cost-Effective Staffing: Gig workers are typically compensated based on output, aligning costs directly with productivity.
Who’s Driving the Gig Economy?
Understanding the demographics most likely to participate in gig work can help businesses tailor their approach to attract diverse talent. The gig economy has become a melting pot of workers from various backgrounds, each bringing unique skills and perspectives to the table.
1. Parents Seeking Work-Life Balance
Parents seeking work-life balance form a significant portion of the gig workforce. For many mothers and fathers, gig work offers the perfect blend of career engagement and family time. It allows them to maintain an active career while spending more time with their children. Some parents use gig work as a way to test the waters of full-time parenting, balancing professional commitments with familial responsibilities. This flexibility is particularly attractive to those who want to stay connected to their careers without sacrificing precious time with their growing families.
2. Seniors Leveraging Lifelong Experience
The gig economy is also seeing a surge in participation from retirees and seniors. These experienced professionals are leveraging their lifelong experience in new and flexible ways. Seniors offer valuable expertise and transferable skills to younger teams. They often serve as mentors and provide insights gained from years in the workforce. For many in their golden years, gig work offers a sense of purpose and additional income. It allows them to stay engaged and productive on their own terms.
3. Gen-Z: Digital Natives Exploring Career Paths
As the first truly digital native workforce, Generation Z is uniquely positioned to thrive in the gig economy. Young workers are using gig platforms to balance multiple jobs with education and social life, exploring diverse career options without long-term commitments. This approach allows Gen-Z to gain varied experiences early in their careers, building a broad skill set and professional network. Additionally, engaging in gig work enables many young professionals to build financial security early in their careers. They can potentially even avoid the heavy debt burdens that have plagued earlier generations.
4. Career Changers Testing New Waters
For those considering a career pivot, the gig economy offers an invaluable opportunity to test new waters. Career changers can use gig work as a low-risk way to explore new industries, build new skills, and expand their professional networks. This approach allows individuals to gain experience in their desired field while maintaining a steady income from their current job or other gig work. The flexibility of gig work makes it an ideal platform for professionals to gradually transition into new career paths. It helps them reduce the financial and professional risks often associated with major career changes.
5. Workforce Re-entrants Easing Back In
Gig work also provides a flexible re-entry point for those who have been out of the workforce due to various reasons. Whether it’s due to health issues, caregiving responsibilities, or extended travel, many individuals find that gig work offers a gentle way to ease back into professional life. The ability to control workload and schedule makes it easier for these re-entrants to balance their work with any ongoing personal commitments. Gig platforms often focus on skills rather than continuous work history. This can be particularly beneficial for those with gaps in their resumes.
6. Supplemental Income Seekers
Many professionals turn to gig work as a means of earning supplemental income. In an era of economic uncertainty, having an additional income stream can provide financial security and peace of mind. Gig work offers more flexible hours compared to traditional part-time jobs. This allows individuals to fit extra work around their primary job or other commitments. Some gig platforms even offer faster payment options. This can be crucial for those needing to quickly boost their income or manage unexpected expenses.
Get started, get flexible!
As you can see, incorporating gig work for your company your has a lot of benefits to offer. Learn more from our in-depth article on how to get started: Contingent staffing – the ultimate guide and how to get started.
Don’t yet believe this is a thing? Check out the HBR podcast “Why Companies and Skilled Workers Are Turning to On-Demand Work” with Joseph Fuller, professor at Harvard Business School, and Allison Bailey, senior partner at Boston Consulting Group.
Develop a Gig-Friendly Culture
Creating a gig-friendly culture begins with fostering inclusivity. Organizations should treat gig workers with the same respect and consideration as full-time employees. Use inclusive language in all communications to avoid alienating gig workers. Including them in team meetings and events when appropriate can also foster a sense of belonging. It will make them feel like valued members of the team.
- Flexible Schedules: Accommodate various working hours and time zones to attract a diverse pool of gig talent.
- Remote Work Options: Provide the necessary tools and technologies to support remote work effectively.
- Project-Based Approach: Structure work around projects and deliverables rather than fixed hours, allowing for greater flexibility.
How we can help
Zelos Team Management is a simple app for managing on-demand workforce in the gig economy. With easy-to use features such as task dispatch, self-scheduling and live communication, it can make a huge difference in how effectively you can engage your contingent workforce.
Sign up for a free account today and take the app for a spin – it may be a great fit for your gig workforce management efforts!