The emergence of the gig economy has boosted demand for blue collared workers
Over the last decade, India has witnessed a significant shift in the way people work. The rise of the gig economy has given rise to a new class of workers who work on short-term contracts or freelance basis, and this trend has been particularly beneficial for blue-collar workers. The emergence of the gig economy in India has certainly created new opportunities for blue-collar workers.
With the increasing popularity of online platforms such as Ola, Uber, Swiggy, Zomato, and UrbanClap, there has been a surge in demand for delivery personnel, drivers, electricians, plumbers, and other similar blue-collar workers. As per a study by Praxis Global Alliances, the number is growing with the addition of around 7-8 million new college graduates to the workforce every year, more than 50 percent of which lack employability skills and end up joining blue and grey-collar-specific jobs in the workforce.
The emergence of these platforms provides an easy way for blue-collar workers to find work, often on a part-time or freelance basis, without the need for formal employment. Due to the rise of online shopping and food delivery services, there has been a significant increase in the demand for delivery workers. This has created new opportunities for blue-collar workers who may not have had access to these types of jobs before causing a significant shift in the Indian Labour market. According to an analysis by the Boston Consulting Group and Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, the country’s blue-collar gig economy will soon contribute massively to India’s labor market, stating that “within 8 to 10 years, the total gig job could reach 90 million and will contribute 1.25% to India’s GDP.”
This has also enabled people to supplement their income or find work when traditional job opportunities are scarce. Furthermore, these platforms often provide training and other resources to their workers, helping to improve their skills and making them more marketable in the long run. The emergence of the gig economy has also helped to break down traditional barriers to entry, making it easier for people from diverse backgrounds to find work and earn a living.
Additionally, the flexibility provided by the gig economy is a significant advantage for blue-collar workers. Unlike traditional jobs, gig work allows workers to choose their own hours and work according to their own schedules. This is particularly beneficial for workers who have family or other commitments that make it difficult for them to work regular 9-5 jobs.
One of the major reasons for the emergence of the gig economy in India is the growth of the digital economy. With the widespread availability of smartphones and the internet, it has become easier for companies to connect with workers and vice versa. This has led to the creation of online platforms that help connect workers with potential employers. Platforms like WorkIndia have made it easier for blue-collar workers to find work and earn a living.
Overall, the gig economy has been a boon for blue-collar workers in India. It has created new opportunities for them to earn a living, provided them with greater flexibility, and helped to formalize the informal sector. Overall, the gig economy has created new opportunities for blue-collar workers in India, and it is likely that demand for their services will continue to grow in the future.
(The author is Nilesh Dungarwal, Co-Founder and COO, WorkIndia, and the views expressed in this article are his own)
