The gig economy has actually been built by many large companies in the world for a long time. This term has become more trendy as the world enters the COVID-19 pandemic. The reason is, the gig economy actually opens up more job opportunities in its own way.
The system used in the gig economy is short-term work contracts without appointing them as employees. This trend has also spawned more freelance workers (freelancers). These gig workers can work more freely according to the working hours and location they want.
The gig economy itself is taken from the term "gig" which is taken from English slang. In other words, these gig workers can assess their own performance. From this performance, they will get paid.
Conventional workers may get a contract with fixed pay. On the other hand, the gig economy allows workers to determine their own income. The thing that is "sold" in the gig economy is flexibility in doing work. The more work you do, the more money you earn.
This system has also been absorbed by many Indonesian people as a new opportunity. The reason is, finding work during the pandemic is quite a challenge. This is also supported by the increasing number of companies opening themselves up to gig wokers in Indonesia.
The gig economy trend in Indonesia also has a very broad impact. Gig workers in Indonesia can also be easily found in supporting cities throughout Indonesia. Even better, space and time no longer seem to be obstacles.
Gig workers can freely look for work from regions, cities, and even islands that are different from where they live. The reason is, everything can be done online. They also have the right to do more jobs without being too tied to one.
From the business side, the gig economy also brings more benefits. Business people can open up more job opportunities. They also don't have to worry about mandatory employee benefits that need to be paid. This also allows business actors to gain even greater profits later.
Unfortunately, this work system also has controversy in its implementation. Financial and other welfare issues are also most widely discussed in the employment system. The gig economy trend was ultimately implemented in an inappropriate way.
Many companies exploit gig workers to gain unilateral profits. It is not uncommon for them to provide work beyond the workers' capacity and expect maximum results.
From the perspective of gig workers, it becomes difficult for their careers to develop. It is the workers who must take the initiative to develop their skills and careers without any support from the company. Considering that gig workers are freelancers, they will not receive health benefits or other bonuses.
The country's economy also received a negative impact from this activity. State income through taxes will of course be greatly reduced. The reason is, companies will not pay taxes on gig workers as much as permanent employees in the company.
More than 80% of existing work can now be done remotely or mobile. You as a business actor certainly need to consider this trend when running a business. The following are a number of jobs that can be found in the gig economy:
Content: content writer, copywriter, UI/UX copywriter, social media specialist
Accountant: accountant, assistant accountant
Design: graphic design, logo design, illustrator
Software development: game engineer, UI/UX designer, Devops engineer
IT support: network analyst, security engineer
Education: tutor, lecturer, teacher
Those are the ins and outs of the gig economy and the information available in its implementation. As a business person, you also need deeper knowledge to be able to remain competitive in the gig economy era. Hone your skills in The Agile Way in Business program from Prasmul Eli. You can broaden your business horizons by linking functions in overall business processes and chains as well as specific projects.