Over 78% Employers Optimistic About Gig Workers: Report

Over 78 per cent of employers report that gig workers meet or exceed job expectations. At the same time, mastery of digital tools and platforms remains non-negotiable for long-term success in the gig economy, a report by TeamLease Edtech has found. The study reveals a preference for gig workers with one to five years of experience among 67.86 per cent of employers.

On World Youth Skills Day, TeamLease Edtech released its report, ‘Gig Economy Skills: Equipping Youth for Freelance and Flexible Work,’ based on survey data collected from 837 employers across various sectors. The report offers insights into the skills and competencies required for success in the gig economy.

The report reveals that 78.57 per cent of employers find gig workers meeting or surpassing job expectations. However, 20.24 per cent of employers highlight the need for improvement. 75.90 per cent of the respondents identify technical skills as the most essential skill for gig workers underscoring the growing reliance on technology across industries. Communication skills play a major role as 68.67 per cent of respondents highlight its importance in meeting client expectations and remote collaborations.

“The gig economy is not just the future of work but rather our present. With 78.57% of gig workers meeting or exceeding expectations, we spot a real potential. However, the emphasis on both technical and soft skills highlights the complex demands of this new work paradigm,” Shantanu Rooj, Founder and CEO of TeamLease Edtech has said. 

As far as the experience is concerned, the study reveals that 67.86 per cent of employers prefer gig workers with work experience of one to five years, indicating a shift towards a desire for fresh perspectives and practical experience. A smaller portion (10.71 per cent) of employers are even open to hiring gig workers with no prior experience.

Proficiency in digital tools and platforms is paramount as over 90 per cent of employers have affirmed its importance. As most gig economy roles are inherently digital, they require workers to navigate various digital platforms and tools. On-the-job training (76.19 per cent) and online courses (73.81 per cent) are the most preferred methods for upskilling, as per the report.

Industry-specific knowledge (42.86 per cent) and soft skills (28.57 per cent) are the two most common skill gaps in the new gig workers. Employers want workers with a mixture of technical skills, strong soft skills and domain knowledge to excel in the field. Client management skills are considered important by 86.9 per cent of the respondents.

Jaideep Kewalramani, COO and Head of Employability Business added, “Our study reveals a clear path for gig worker development. By focusing on targeted, industry-aligned programs, we can ensure gig workers are not just meeting current demands but are prepared for future challenges.”