How can employers #GigResponsibly?
More workers are embracing gig work for a variety of reasons, sparking the need for employers to change their work models.
More people across the globe are opting for the gig life, according to ManpowerGroup’s report, “#GigResponsibly — The Rise of NextGen Work.”
The survey of 9,500 people in 12 countries found that more than 80 percent of workers say part-time, freelance, contract, temporary or independent contract work is a choice, not a last resort, and builds resilience for less predictable futures.
“What people want is changing,” writes ManpowerGroup CEO Jonas Prising. “They are working longer, learning more and seeking a better balance between work and home. Not everyone wants to engage as a full-time employee and organizations don’t always want that either.”
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Gig work allows people to supplement incomes over the short-term, provides freedom to explore different roles and develop in-demand skills to be more employable over the long-term, survey respondents say. People can also control where, when and how they work, reducing stress and allowing flexibility for life-work balance.
Countries with a higher proportion of younger workers are more inclined to do gig work, in particular younger millennials, ages 18-24, according to the survey, but don’t rule out boomers–80 percent of those over the age of 50 are open to gig work. Emerging markets are most open to gig work: India and Mexico are leading the way with 97 percent of people open to freelance, contract, temporary or independent contractor work.
“Companies want workforce solutions that find them the best talent when business models and skills needs are changing faster than ever,” the authors write. “People want opportunities to develop in-demand skills that will keep them employable for this job and the next, and they want work styles that better balance caring responsibilities, upskilling and reskilling.”
To make the gig economy work, business leaders and policy makers must collaborate to find the best balance of flexibility and responsibility, according to the report. Benefits – such as certifications, pensions and training funds — that were once tied to jobs now need to accommodate gig work, and be able to travel across portfolio careers.
“Leaders must enable, not prevent, NextGen Work, and must be responsive to what people want,” the authors write. “It’s time to combine the choice and flexibility of new work models with the security of traditional work. It’s time to #GigResponsibly.”