Best Practices For Navigating the Growing Gig Economy
Guest post by Keilah Keiser
Over the last few years, advanced technology and the ability to use smartphones and unlimited data and WiFi from anywhere has changed the way people are working. Not only are workers free to have more flexibility and control over their job, businesses are also at an advantage. Employers can hire workers for one-time projects, hiring freelancers instead of extending their budget and putting full or part-time employees on their payroll.
Whether you want to benefit from the gig economy as an individual or a business, there are some best practices you should be paying attention to.
Getting Ready For the Gig Economy
If you’re considering making the move from being the employee of a company to becoming a gig worker, you have a few things to focus on if you’re going to succeed in this new employment structure. In fact, the advantages of being a freelance worker are more defined for you than they are for a business looking to outsource work.
Here are the 4 best practices that can help you make the transition and thrive in the gig economy as an independent freelancer:
1. Establish a working routine
Even though working as a freelancer means you’re working on your own schedule, don’t overlook the benefits of establishing a good routine. This may mean following a to-do list, slotting in a specific time to make phone calls, and making time to exercise and get enough sleep.
2. Define your purpose
Finding a purpose and your meaning for doing what you do can set you up for success. Let your definition of purpose be what gives you the confidence and inspiration to work for yourself.
3. Building networking relationships
Don’t underestimate the power of building relationships with other gig professionals. Not only will you build a network of supportive and like-minded gig workers, you’ll also be able to avoid the social isolation that often comes when you work on your own.
4. Create your own working environment
Find an area of your home to use as office space, free from distractions. This is your space to be productive and focus on work.
Business And The Gig Economy
Businesses and organizations are just as agile when it comes to navigating the gig economy. Being able to hire gig workers for jobs that require specific skills lets your business become more adaptable and flexible.
As highlighted in this guide on the gig economy, here are 4 factors to consider for hiring talented gig workers and outsourcing some of your business tasks:
1. Identify the skills your business needs
Look at upcoming projects – do you have employees with the right skills to complete tasks or is it better to hire a freelancer?
2. Get your teams onboard
Not everyone in your company will see the benefit of hiring a gig worker. Build your case with the advantages of hiring an independent freelancer who has the unique skills your regular employees may not have.
3. Work with established gig platforms
There are different platforms available from where you can hire talented gig workers – try more than one to determine what best meets your business needs.
4. Strategize with a blended workforce
Based on different projects, develop a hiring strategy that uses both full-hire employees and gig workers on an as-need basis.
The Future Of Gig Workers
The gig economy is here to stay, no doubt with changes and improvements to come as both gig workers and businesses come up with strategies that work best for everyone. The growth and advancement of the gig economy plays a significant role in the way Americans and other workers around the world view the future of employment and work standards.
The traditional way of employment has been shifted aside as workers choose job flexibility and personal happiness and fulfillment when it comes to how they work. Learning how to navigate the growing gig economy ensures that you won’t be left behind.
Author Bio: Keilah Keiser is both a freelance and full-time content writer covering topics that range from startup funding to business development. When she's not behind the computer, you'll find her hiking with her dog.
