In line with the ilo’s decent work agenda and with the un sustainable development goals, the gig economy can be transformed to provide fair and inclusive employment for all workers and can contribute in providing a future of decent work for everyone. That said, research by collective benefits shows how the gig economy creates vulnerabilities that those in traditional work escape. For example, too many gig workers lack access to the social protections that employees take for granted, such as sick pay or maternity and paternity benefits. The infusion of social protections thus serves as an endeavor to endow gig workers with the rights and opportunities they deserve. Moreover, social protection’s extensibility can mitigate inequality and erode the precariousness associated with the gig economy. The next part examines the resulting labor market trends, including effects beyond the gig economy; The experience for workers, drawing on current research; The impact on society more widely; And concludes with possible future directions, both positive and negative. The preconditions of the gig economy Many of these workers have created a “holding environment” for themselves by establishing four connections: (1) place, in the form of idiosyncratic, dedicated workspaces that allow easy access to. By recognizing the importance of social connections and actively fostering community, gig workers can thrive in this new landscape, enjoying the benefits of flexibility without sacrificing the human connections that make work fulfilling and meaningful. What is the gig economy? What jobs are independent workers doing? Discover answers to these questions—and more—in our latest mckinsey explainer article. Given the scope and depth of its impact, the gig economy also raises important ethical issues.
