Gig Employment Competing with Employers for Talent
With the rise of gig employment, employers have found themselves grappling with a new challenge: a shrinking pool of available talent. As the gig economy continues to grow, more and more individuals are opting for gig work over traditional employment, creating a competitive landscape for recruiters, human resources, and talent acquisition professionals alike. In this blog post, we'll explore the rise of the gig economy and examine the reasons why individuals are increasingly choosing gig work instead of full-time employment. The gig economy is a term used to describe a labor market where freelance and contract workers are hired on a project-by-project basis. The gig economy includes a wide range of industries, from food delivery to graphic design to ride-sharing. According to a recent survey, 36% of the US workforce, or approximately 57 million people, work in the gig economy. A trade group that represents Grubhub, Instacart, Lyft, and many other "gig economy" apps says that than 23 million Americans have earned money through one of these platforms in the last 12 months. That's a significant number of people. Why are people choosing gig work over traditional employment? There are several reasons why people are increasingly choosing gig work over traditional employment. One of the main reasons is flexibility. Gig workers have the ability to set their own schedules and choose the projects they work on. They are not tied down to a specific employer or set hours, which can be appealing to many individuals. Additionally, gig work can be a way for individuals to explore different industries and gain new skills. The impact of the gig economy on traditional employment The growth of the gig economy is having a significant impact on traditional employment. With more people opting for gig work, employers are finding it harder to fill their open positions with qualified candidates. This is particularly true for positions that require specialized skills or experience. Additionally, the rise of gig work has put pressure on employers to offer more flexibility and benefits in order to compete with the gig economy. The benefits and drawbacks of gig work While gig work can provide individuals with flexibility and the ability to explore different industries, there are also drawbacks. Gig workers are often not provided with the same benefits as traditional employees, such as healthcare or retirement benefits. Additionally, gig work can be unpredictable and may not provide a steady stream of income, which can be difficult for individuals who rely on a consistent income. Recruiting against gig employment Gig employment is a here to stay, and it's having a significant impact on traditional recruiting methods. In order to compete with the gig economy, employers need to offer attractive benefits and perks that gig workers can't get. Here are some ways that traditional employers can compete with the gig economy: Offer flexibility. One of the biggest draws of the gig economy is the flexibility it offers workers. Traditional employers can compete by offering flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting, flextime, and compressed workweeks. Provide benefits. Many gig workers don't receive benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans. Traditional employers can attract and retain top talent by offering competitive benefits packages. Create a positive work culture. Gig workers often feel isolated and lack a sense of community. Traditional employers can create a positive work culture by fostering collaboration, teamwork, and social interaction. Embrace technology. The gig economy is powered by technology. Traditional employers can compete by embracing technology and using it to streamline operations, improve communication (like with texting), and provide better customer service. In addition to these strategies, traditional employers can also compete with gig employment options by focusing on their core strengths. What makes your company unique? What can you offer workers that they can't get from a gig economy platform? The gig economy is a rapidly growing market that is changing the way we think about work. For employers, this means they must adapt to the changing landscape of the labor market and find new ways to attract and retain talent. For workers, the gig economy can provide flexibility and the ability to explore different industries, but it's important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before diving in. As the gig economy continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how traditional employment and gig work continue to compete for talented individuals.
Continue reading
