We’re all for the gig economy – here’s why…
While many think the ‘gig economy’ is a new trend in the global marketplace, the concept has actually been around since the early 1900s. By definition, a gig worker is anyone who works as an independent contractor, freelancer, temp, consultant, or as an outsourced team. While this way of working may not be new, it’s certainly on the rise—aided by technological advancements that continue to bring with them more and more possibilities within the traditional working world…
What kinds of advancements you might ask? Well, there’s faster internet speeds almost everywhere (thanks to fibre), we’re also all comfortable with online meetings that can replace many in-person ones (thanks to the pandemic), and there’s more ‘third spaces’ (that offer pay-as-you-go office spaces) than ever before. All of these changes have played a part in the ever-growing work-from-home movement that now spans almost every sector.
There are conflicting opinions about the sustainability of the gig economy, but there are also many stats pointing to its optimistic future (according to Thrive My Way). Of course, there will always be room for full-time and permanent employees, but the gig economy is a viable option for many talented specialists across the world.
At Hluma, we’ve embraced a culture of hiring skilled contractors who team together to get specific projects done. Spread out across the country, we all value the fluidity and flexibility of this kind of set-up and believe it benefits our lives, business, and the clients we work with.
Flexibility is a win-win for companies and contractors
You don’t have to look far on top news and media channels to discover that flexibility in the workplace has become a trend across the board – catalysed in particular by the COVID-19 pandemic. With the massive move to more flexibility in the workplace in recent years, onboarding an on-demand or gig workforce has become a great way for companies to hire skills whilst not heightening their risk. Generally, this is because there’s a lower total cost to the company—since gig workers are not on the regular payroll, and therefore don’t receive traditional company benefits (like sick leave, pensions etc). This can help to keep corporate overheads relatively low, whilst the contractor/freelancer enjoys the freedom and flexibility to balance their workload and life as they see fit.
Speaking of which, the work-life balance has really come into the spotlight since the pandemic. Forced to rethink our priorities, recent research indicates that a staggering 70% of freelancers choose to work independently because of the benefit of having control over their time. 78% of those surveyed said that (in their opinion at least) they’re happier and enjoy more job satisfaction compared to those who work a traditional 9-5 job.
When companies hire gig workers, or a temporary workforce for specific projects, contractors have the opportunity to enjoy a more flexible agreement and get paid for their time or output, rather than their presence (which can at times be unproductive for the company and understimulating for the employee). Aside from workplace flexibility, the gig economy statistically has the second-highest number of work opportunities offered to job-seekers, making it an appealing endeavour for many.
So what does the future look like?
If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that forecasting the future should be done very, very humbly! Still, in the coming years, we predict that more and more enterprises of all sizes will increase their number of contractors, as well as the amount of flexibility they offer their permanent staff (especially concerning workplace and structured work hours). In fact, there’s currently a pilot project of courageous SA companies testing the 4-day work week.
While many of our team members are free to opt into this rhythm if they so choose, one thing remains non-negotiable at Hluma: excellent work, produced on time and within budget, every time.
Said in another way, while we’re all for a healthy work-life balance, none of us are afraid of hard work.
If you’re looking for a team whose track-record speaks louder than any rhetoric, get in touch with us today. We’d love to help you tap into the power of your story, and connect with your audience like never before.
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