An employment landscape marked by the predominance of temporary contracts or freelance commitments as opposed to enduring, permanent roles.
What is GIG Economy?
Digital platforms facilitate freelancers to connect with clients for short-term jobs, contracted work, or asset-sharing.
Who works in GIG Economy?
Independent contractors/consultants and freelancers.
Why GIG Economy
is growing?
Mass adoption of remote and hybrid work models unlocked previously untapped talent pools, now highly sought-after candidates.
GIG Economy Statistics
Projected gross volume of GIG Economy in 2023: $455.2 billion USD: Statista
In 2021, 33 million performed contingent work in the US, generating $1.7 trillion in revenue: SIA
As of 2023, 73.3 million freelancers are estimated to work in the USA. 76.4 million are expected in 2024: Statista
India is home to the 2nd largest market of freelancers, who constitute about 40% of total freelance jobs offered worldwide: ICRIER Future of Work in the Digital Era
Number of freelancers in the USA from 2017 to 2028(In Millions)
37% of full-time independent workers are aged 21-38: MBO Partners.
There are 31% of men and 18% of women employed in the GIG economy: Edison Research
25–34 is the most prominent age group when it comes to independent workers: Payoneer
They get paid $19 per hour on average: Payoneer
The 55–64 age group makes up a small percentage of the total workforce, yet they get paid the most - $36 per hour.
Freelancers charge $21 per hour on average: Payoneer’s Income Survey
For 44% of GIG workers, their work in the GIG economy is their primary source of income: Edison Research
64% of full-time workers want to do “side hustles” to make extra money: Deloitte
US GIG Workers Demographic
By Gender
Male
Male
By Education
Have a Diploma
Have a College Degree
By Age
18 - 34 Yrs Old
18 - 34 Yrs Old
18 - 34 Yrs Old
GIG Economy Benefits for Employees
Projected gross volume of GIG Economy in 2023: $455.2 billion USD: Statista
Components of GIG Economy
Consumer or Clients
GIG Workers
On-demand Supply
GIG Economy Features
Flexibility
Workers have option to choose when and where they work. Short-Term Engagements: It is frequently used for short-term assignments, which can take a day, a week, or months.
Independent Workforce
Workers are often independent contractors, freelancers, or self-employed individuals.
Digital Platforms
The work is facilitated through online platforms that serve as intermediaries.
On-Demand Nature
It operates on an on-demand basis, where clients or customers can request services when needed.
Skill-Based Hiring
Jobs are often based on specific skills or expertise, which can lead to a more meritocratic hiring process.
Global Reach
Gig platforms have a global reach. This expands opportunities for both workers and those seeking services.
Income Variation
The volume of work, the demand for specific skills, and the worker's capacity to find work impacts income.
Upskilling and Entrepreneurship
Opportunities for workers to develop skills, explore entrepreneurship, and start businesses.
Challenges of the Gig Economy
Income Instability
Maintaining a stable income can be challenging for some GIG workers.
Lack of Benefits
GIG workers lack benefits and protections such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off.
Controversies
The GIG economy has sparked debates concerning worker classification, labor rights, and fair compensation.
Concerns
There are concerns regarding the absence of employment protections and the potential for exploitation.
Marketplace Competition
GIG workers contend with competition from others, which can impact their ability to secure work and the rates they can charge.
Industries under GIG Economy
Food and beverages
Home Services
E-commerce
Technology
Types of Work
Ride Sharing
Freelance Writing
Web Development
Food Delivery
Graphics Design
Consulting & more
Trends and the Future
86% of freelancers think the industry has a bright future: Upwork
Around 40% of executives worldwide expect freelancers to account for an increased share of their organization’s workforce over the next few years. 50% agree that corporate adoption of gig platforms would be a significant trend: BCG Henderson
By 2027, 60% of the US workforce will be independent: Business2Community
By 2027, the “alternative workforce” of GIG workers is expected to become the majority of the US workforce: Deloitte, Upwork
By 2027, companies will be spending $6 billion on improving the rights of GIG workers: Business2Community
By 2027, the number of freelancers is expected to reach 86.5 million in the USA: Wonolo, Statista, Upwork
40% of organizations plan to use more gig workers in the next 5 years: Sama School
Millennials will make up 75% of the global workforce by 2025: Forbes
1 in 6 traditional job workers would like to become an independent earner: Upwork, McKinsey