The gig economy, or “gig work,” refers to a labor market that relies heavily on temporary and part-time positions filled by independent contractors and freelancers rather than full-time permanent employees.
The term originally referred to musicians who were paid for each performance, but it has since evolved to include any independent worker who is paid for the task or project.
The rise of virtual assistants and the growth of the gig economy are interlinked. As businesses increasingly rely on specialized skills that can be accessed remotely, virtual assistants find more opportunities to offer their services which can foster a more dynamic economy.
Employers have a wider range of applicants to choose from because they don’t have to hire someone based on their proximity. They may avoid paying benefits such as health coverage and paid vacation time, or outsource the benefits programs and other management tasks to external agencies.
It forces specialization. Traditionally, assistants were often generalists who could perform a wide range of tasks. However, the virtual assistant industry has evolved to a point where skill specialisation is not only encouraged but often required. Specialisation allows VAs to provide expert-level service, bringing immense value to their clients and increasing their earning potential.
Gig workers are often granted flexibility and independence, but there are downsides. Flexibility in a gig economy often means that workers have to make themselves available any time gigs come up, regardless of their other needs. This can disrupt their work-life balance, sleep patterns, and daily activities.
The gig economy trend can make it difficult for full-time employees to advance in their careers since temporary employees are often cheaper to hire and more flexible in their availability.
Conclusion: While the gig economy brings economic benefits in terms of productivity and employment, it also raises questions about levels of consumer and worker protection and labour-market policies.
Its impact on society in the future will depend on how policymakers and businesses respond to these challenges.
The VAmooc project provides resources and lessons to help you start and survive within the gig economy, so make sure to check our website and MOOC!
Sources:
https://www.forbes.fr/brandvoice/quand-la-gig-economy-redefinit-le-marche-du-travail/
https://www.andjaro.com/blog/gig-economy
What is the gig economy and what’s the deal for gig workers? | World Economic Forum (weforum.org)
Gig Economy: Definition, Factors Behind It, Critique & Gig Work (investopedia.com)
