What To Lookout For When Hiring Gig Workers

With the rise of digital innovations and the maturity of the millennial generation, many people are becoming increasingly drawn to working in the gig economy - an emerging working style which is all about engaging in freelance “gigs” and short-term jobs, allowing these impermanent employees to choose where, when and how they work.

This not only affords gig workers flexibility but also freedom. Despite these benefits, however, there are a few major issues which gig workers face due to the impermanence of their work coupled with being unaffiliated with any one company long-term.

In Malaysia, data from the World Bank shows that freelancers make up 26 percent of the workforce and that number is projected to increase in the coming years. However, according to an article by Awani Review which quotes Sheffield executive director and recruitment specialist, Leigh Howard, people who are part of the gig economy are not classified as employees and they constantly experience a level of uncertainty because they are not entitled to security, protection and benefits that long-term employees expect. The question then becomes- are employers aware of some of the main problems frequently faced by gig workers?