These are challenging times for corporate and gig workers alike, suggests a recent report that reveals their respective fears over the prospect of a U.S. recession. I’m actually seeing this firsthand. Many people who are coming onto our gig-work platform already have full time jobs but want to earn extra income to pay for basics like food and gas, as well as save for the holidays. I spoke the other day to a full-timer who is driving Uber at night so that he can make his new car payment and pay for gas and auto insurance.
As we upgrade our features and functions, we’re asking the talent pool how we can best support them, and what we’re discovering is that a significant number of gig workers are feeling financial insecurity over a looming recession and because inflation has gotten out of control. And at the same time, our customers are relying more on gig labor – not just in hospitality, which is our specialty, but across a spectrum of businesses. The contingent workforce is playing a crucial role in supporting the economy right now with the labor crisis being what it is. So given that context, it’s important for companies to invest more not just in their full-time staff. But also in flexible staff and their gig workers, making sure that their wellbeing is accounted for.
Many of these people may have full-time jobs and are burning out on those extended hours. Employers could provide additional training beyond just skills by providing resources for them to learn about ways to enhance their wellbeing and manage their financial risks. Providing health benefits to gig workers is also increasingly important in this climate. Thankfully, there are some highly affordable options from people like Jawad Arshad, M.D., who founded WoW Health.
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