Workforce Management in the Gig Economy

The Gig Economy is operating at full speed today. Asian countries like India, China, the Philippines, and Indonesia are among the top performing countries with contingent workforces. In Western countries, the demand for freelancers is rising around 20 percent each year according to research by Manpower Group. Given this increasing trend, it is critical for Human Resources (HR) leaders to have a clear sense of how to best manage this talent segment. They need to promote a good work-life balance, there are many demands that add up to ensuring a motivated workforce.

Savings on labour and related costs and quick response to changes in the company are two of the advantages that the Gig Economy offers for organisations. Managing this workforce is the biggest challenge as they may not have the same level of commitment to the organisation therefore HR leaders should critically rethink their strategy in maintaining a contingent workforce by considering the human capital implications of culture, leadership, structure, and talent management. 

How? Here are three ways to redefine a sensible workforce strategy in the Gig Economy: 

See the job from their perspectives

The fact is that hiring freelancers does not give you the opportunity to know more about the staff. One way to build trust and relationships is by asking them why they want to work and what they need to do their jobs better. Whatever it may be, ask them what they want in return for their work. Getting to know the individual motivations of the people working for you can help to manage the team.

Provide right compensation

The compensation needs to be seen as beneficial and appropriate for both parties to keep them engaged. This can be in the form of money, but could also be health care benefits, resources to use on the job, additional benefits such as low interest loans, or the promise of on-going work.

Secure transparent communication

Provide your giggers with good mobile experiences so they can check and edit documents, share up to date information immediately and communicate with each other effectively wherever they are. Of course, communication is the vital factor for any freelance job to work effectively as most part timers are in a remote work set-up.  You can use Skype, Redbooth, or Azendoo to collaborate and communicate work progress, thoughts on projects, queries to giggers so that there is an adequate flow of information back and forth. 

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