The demand for gig workers with technical skills has significantly increased due to large enterprises seeking to optimize their future through a digital presence and reduce fixed costs by reducing full-time employees. Gig workers are freelance workers who work on a contractual or temporary basis for a specific period.
According to staffing company TeamLease Services, the demand for technical gig workers has increased by 20%-25% between April and November of this year compared to pre-Covid levels. The business head of the firm, Sudeep Kumar Sen, stated that this trend has also created opportunities for women gig workers, with an increase of 13%-14% in the white-collar gig worker segments.
Gig workers have the advantage of freelancing and earning from multiple industries simultaneously, enabling them to work from their hometowns. They have the power to choose their work, location, and compensation. For example, Sushmita, a specialist in Ruby on Rails tech, is based in Kochi and was hired as a consultant by a fintech company for a six-month period. She highlights the benefits of freelancing, such as avoiding travel and reducing expenses for rent and commuting.
Awign Enterprises, a platform focused on gig workforce and last-mile delivery, has onboarded over 90,000 gig workers between March and November of this year. It has experienced a 40% increase in the average number of gig workers on its platform compared to pre-Covid levels. Co-founder Gurpreet Singh notes that there has been a 65% increase in technically skilled gig workers compared to a 25% increase in field gig workers since March. Previously, field gig workers accounted for 70% of the workforce, while digital gig workers made up only 30%.
The increased digital requirements of businesses have led to a higher demand for content preparation and curation. With the growing use of AI and ML-driven technology, there is also a need for workers to create databases for AI image recognition. Online proctoring companies are experiencing higher demand for human remote proctors from large assessment platforms, as virtual classrooms become more prevalent. These proctors monitor exams in real-time to prevent malpractice, answer questions, and provide technical support.
Gig workers are also investing in upskilling. SimpliLearn, an online digital technology training provider, has hired 2.5 times more trainers this year. The frequency of weekend classes has increased from 3-4 to 7-8, and job offers per candidate have risen from 2-3 to 5-6.
Zaggle, a payments and data company, has hired over a dozen gig workers for remote work. Its founder and chairman, Raj N, states that engaging with freelancers has saved the company 25% in employee costs.
