The pandemic spurred a movement toward a new type of work arrangement between companies and employees. Instead of permanent jobs and salaries, this work landscape entails free-lance opportunities and short-term contracts paid upon completion. Digital platforms, mobile apps, and online marketplaces connect temporary workers with customers who need their services. Blue-collar workers in construction, delivery, transportation, and so many other fields are now living the free-spirited lifestyle of musicians and bouncing from gig to gig.
The movement is gaining momentum. Research reveals that 59 million Americans took some type of work in the gig economy during 2020, and that amounts to approximately 36% of the workforce. Studies show that the wages and participation of gig workers increased 33% during 2020, but predict 52% of the US workforce will participate in the gig economy to some degree by the close of 2023.
Why companies and employees are both moving toward the gig economy
“Hiring full-time employees is increasingly difficult in this shifting job market,” observes Jason LaMonica, COO of Spec On The Job. “The gig economy gives managers instant access to a pool of skilled workers.
In terms of additional benefits, employers who offer short-term contracts avoid paying for sick days, holidays, and paid vacation leave. On the downside, they may face challenges working with a staff that is only invested in their company short term.
“Certain workers gravitate to the gig economy’s flexibility,” says LaMonica. “Students navigating school schedules and individuals caring for family members during the day now have the chance to earn money on their own terms, working whenever their commitments allow. They decide how much to work and when.”
Gig workers are free to try new types of work or move to new management whenever they need a change. For some, the gig economy’s freedom is exhilarating, but for others, it creates apprehension. Lack of constant income, difficulty finding work, complicated tax returns, and the absence of benefits like healthcare and retirement can lead to periods of stress.
The growing gig economy for blue-collar workers
Blue-collar workers intrigued by the gig economy’s freedom and flexibility will find no shortage of opportunities in today’s market. Get Gigs is a platform connecting freelancers to a variety of full and part-time opportunities in blue-collar industries, including food and beverage, construction, customer service, landscaping, warehousing, and security. Other apps group jobs according to industry.
A personal vehicle gets individuals started in the delivery and transportation sector. Amazon flex enables independent drivers to set their own hours. Apps like DoorDash and GrubHub coordinate food delivery for local restaurants. Instacart and Shipt specialize in grocery delivery. Bellhop connects people with professional movers looking for jobs. Finally, Ridesharing is coordinated through popular apps like Uber and Lift.
Caregivers find a variety of opportunities on the online marketplace Care.com. People interested in caring for animals turn to apps like Wag and Rover for dog-walking and pet-sitting gigs.
Workers skilled with a set of personal tools are guaranteed to find jobs in the gig economy. Your mechanic connects people needing basic repair and maintenance to qualified mechanics. Handy and TaskRabbit connect independent workers with customers in need of handyman and cleaning services.
“The blue-collar gig economy is expanding to claim a larger share of the global market, and the workforce is clamoring for greater flexibility,” remarks LaMonica. “To retain their top talent, employers and labor unions would be wise to keep up with the times by exploring ways to implement flexible work models.”