At Repute, we are intently focussed on creating a product that would address the requirements of the future workforce.
Why, you ask (or might).
Because this once-in-a-generation pandemic was a live example of how fast the work environment can alter in a matter of months.
When the future of work is touted to be remote with an increasing number of people wanting to break free from the 9 to 5 routine, you can expect the gig economy to explode in the coming years.
We’ve already seen how companies and employees who did not know how to manage working from home, suffered on account of a major decline in employee motivation levels. As the gig economy expands with both sides of the table underprepared for the eventuality, it would be unfortunate to see them struggle.
Per multiple surveys, even the top employers have failed miserably in creating an environment for gig workers to thrive in. And the majority of gig workers feel disconnected from the clients they serve.
We want to usher in a time in which both parties can assume some responsibility towards ensuring a work environment that focuses on security, holistic employee development and inclusive culture.
So here are our top tips to create or thrive in a healthy gig worker engagement.
1. A super smooth onboarding experience
Just as one would employee a full-time employee, it’s important to do for the gig workers.
Having a structured but simple process replete with background verification works as a win-win for both gig workers and employers.
One, it makes the gig worker feel valued. Two, there’s a method to the process that helps them understand the company, get a picture of what it does and increase the trust in the veracity of their agreement with it.
Such a process helps employers signal that they are as committed to the process as the worker, a clear indication of their intent. Most importantly, the process of background verification also helps the employers know that they have not invested into a fraudulent worker, as is the case often.
Onboarding a gig worker must include
- Identity verification
- Submission of important details such as reviews & recommendations received till date, portfolio or referrals
- Access to the digital tools, company resources and information the gig workers need to succeed
To know how Repute can help both the employer and workers smoothen the onboarding process, reach out to us at hello@repute.net
2. Provide gig workers with security
The biggest risks gig workers face are late payments, unreliable cash flow and termination of contract with a lack of acknowledgement for the services rendered.
As a gig worker, what should be an absolute priority is a clear, mutually agreed-upon contract. It acts as a huge impediment for corporations to cheat gig workers by not making payments and allows employers to hold gig workers accountable.
In the last few months, the demand for data portability has also gained constant traction.
Data portability simply means the freedom to easily & seamlessly move data from one service to another.
For instance, if you have 100 reviews and a five-star rating on Fiverr, you should be able to easily transfer it to UpWork or show it as authentic data to corporations whether or not your Fiverr profile is active.
Every company that employs gig workers must make sure that they allow the workers to share their work with other employers in the form of reviews or referral – a feature we’re building at Repute. This goes a long way in providing workers with security and motivates them to invest more of their time & effort in the task.
3. A clarity of short & long-term objectives of the company
Gig workers must demand to know and likewise, employers must make amply clear the short and long-term objectives of the project, team and the company. This helps workers feel more included and as an important part of the overarching picture.
Apart from the ones mentioned above, employers have all the more reasons to be clear with their goals and vision. Some of the best ideas at times come from the most random of sources.
The best part about gig workers is that they come with experience in multiple companies and bring fresh perspectives. Seeking the advice of gig workers on some crucial issues might be the best thing that can be done.
4. A flexibility of work environment
Many gig workers choose to be independent because they crave flexibility.
The work environment provided or sought must align with how gig workers wish to be productive. Some independent workers might prefer to come into the office a few days a week, for instance, while others would prefer to work strictly from home or from a café or coworking space.
Gig workers are here to stay, and businesses must learn how to incorporate them into the fabric of their workforce and benefit from their experience. While gig workers should know how to select the right working environment to set themselves up for success.
By taking time to onboard gig workers, allowing them the flexibility to get work done in the way they prefer, recognizing their contributions and providing them with some security, every organisation can make sure to tap into a resource that will help their business pave its way to success as the work world evolves into the 2020s.
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