Gig and Platform Workers

The last three years have seen the emergence of a new class of workforce called Gig and Platform workers. Gig or platform workers are based on a contractual economy whose job cycle is temporary in nature. Flying out from the conventional pigeonhole of 9 to 5 jobs, gig workers are set up on core factors of flexible work hours, freedom of thought, and sheer metrics valuation.

Difference Between Part-time Workers and Gig And Platform Workers

Gig workers can be branded as an upgrade to a pre-existing part-time economy. The key difference between part-time workers and platform workers would be that part-time workers are formally tied to organizations and form an integral part of payroll, unlike platform workers. Usually, ultimate employers hire intermediary platforms, who in turn tag along with gig and platform workers for a piecemeal of a complete job which is typically short-lived. Gig and platform workers have gained tremendous momentum in recent times because of various factors.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Gig and Platform Workers

Advantages of Gig and Platform Workers -

1. Flexibility: In this style, gig and platform workers are of free will to accept, reject or negotiate tasks as per their convenience. Various factors like pliable work hours, creative freedom could be factored in before committing to any deadline.

2. Direct approach: Gig or platform workers are cardinally freelancers with flair talent, high skill, and expertise. Through gig and platform jobs clients can directly approach freelancers and exactly at the benefit as clients can avoid paying a middleman commission to an organization and instead, directly negotiate with freelancers.

2. Legislative Support: Indian government has recognized the surging number of gig and platform workers and has set up legislative measures under Labour Laws ensuring them basic benefits of health & maternity cover, accidental insurance, life-disability cover and other benefits under the purview of the central government.

Disadvantages of Gig and Platform Workers -

1. Workspace Issues: On the flip side is, lack of workspace is a major drawback that not only deprives individuals of reliable monetary benefits such as provident fund, deemed pension plan, and insurance covers but also disposes of the perks of symbiotic learning, enhanced creative space, and elevated career platforms. Though the government of India has taken a few legislative measures to ensure and protect platform workers, there is a fair amount of grey space for legal framework and compliance in line with the freelance style of working.
2. Job Security: In the pre-existing conventional market where job security is a predominant factor with fixed pay scales, promotions and a systematic career map is a challenge when it comes to Gig and Platform Workers.

Gig and Platform workers as an Emerging Class of the Workforce

Statistically, 1 in 4 freelancers around the globe are from India and 23% of them earn a combined average income of close to 60 lakh per person. Gig or platform style of working not only is a medium to enhance cash flows through core skill set but also an essential employment provider to a major chunk of the population who possess the required talent but are deprived of opportunity because of various socio-economic elements. Factoring in all the pros and cons, it is deemed that the gig or platform style of working is gearing up to be better, bigger, and more popular in the forthcoming future.

FAQs on Gig and Platform Workers

Q.1. What are the Examples Of Gig Jobs In India?

All types of freelance work, from writing to pet sitting, to accountancy and banking, are examples of gig economy jobs.

Q.2. Are Gig and platform workers legal in India?

Yes. There have been labour legislation changes to accommodate new ideas such as gig workers, platform workers, and fixed-term employees.

Q.3. Where can I find gig jobs?

There are many marketplaces where you can find work; Freelance sites like Upwork, Freelancer, etc.

Q.4. What is the difference between Gig workers and Platform Workers?

In general the difference between Gig and Platform Workers, a platform worker is someone who works for an organization that provides specialized services to individuals or organizations via an internet platform. Uber, Ola, Zomato, and other similar services are examples On the other hand, someone who works hourly or part-time jobs in everything from writing to software development is referred to as a gig worker.