The gig economy is an emerging workforce of professionals who choose to work as free agents…and it’s growing significantly thanks to evolving communications technology. But just because it’s easier than ever to tap into this market doesn’t necessarily mean it’s right for your business. Here are some of its advantages and disadvantages.
The advantages and disadvantages of making your company a freelance workforce.
Are you ready for the “gig economy”? If you think the term relates in any way to gigabytes, pertains to your band playing a set at the local bar or somehow involves bitcoin, then no, you’re probably not ready. However, if you are a business owner or manager looking for new ways to save on costs while giving employees more autonomy, then the timing may be right.
What are the advantages?
The gig economy can mean large savings for businesses big and small. Traditional recruiting methods are costly and timely. And if you’re looking to hire millennials (who make up nearly 40% of the current workforce), a freelance position will likely be more attractive to them than having a cubicle to call their own.
Another benefit: No benefits! Okay, follow me on this one. Benefits total more than 30% of employees’ total compensation packages. That’s a nice chunk of change! So, it’s time to go gig or go home, right? Well…not so fast.
What are the disadvantages?
Freelancers are often free spirits, and you may find that some may have commitment issues. While you may want to hold onto the ones who do outstanding work, gig workers often have no need (and, fundamentally, no desire) to engage in long-term relationships with employers. Business consultants Ground Floor Partners suggest that gig workers aren’t interested in climbing the corporate ladder. “They are more interested in growing their own business rather than someone else’s,” they state, “and it’s tough for a business to grow if it doesn’t have its own pool of full-time employees.” It’s also tough to establish team cohesion if your office is a revolving door of freelancers.
How can I prepare for it?
Thinking of dipping your toe in the gig economy but don’t know where to start? There are steps you can take to make your business ready to accommodate the traffic of short-term and remote workers and—while you’re at it—your BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) employees as well. New, flexible and scalable communications services such as Hosted Voice, Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) and other fiber-based and cloud solutions allow you and your gig workers to stay securely connected, whether they’re working in your office or from home.
Need to up your communications game to keep up with the gig economy? Connect with us today to learn how we can help you accommodate a staff of full-time and freelance workers efficiently and securely with our suite products and solutions.
