A new report from TeamLease Edtech reveals a significant skill gap among gig economy workers, emphasizing the need for industry-specific knowledge to remain competitive in the evolving job market. The study revealed that 42.86% of gig workers lack essential industry expertise, identifying this gap as the primary skill deficit. While these workers are often technically proficient, their lack of domain knowledge can limit their efficiency and effectiveness.
In addition, 28.57% of employers pointed to a shortage of soft skills—such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—as another critical gap. These skills are vital for gig workers, who frequently juggle multiple clients and projects.
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“The gig economy has fundamentally altered the employment landscape, introducing a level of flexibility that aligns with modern work preferences,” said Shantanu Rooj, Founder and CEO of TeamLease EdTech. “However, this shift necessitates continuous upskilling,” he added.
The report comes at a time when demand for gig workers is anticipated to rise, especially with the upcoming festive season. Employers are planning to hire 1 million gig workers and 250,000 contractual workers across various sectors, with e-commerce leading the way.
Companies such as Uber, Ola, Swiggy, and Zomato are creating significant opportunities, reflecting a labor market shift accelerated by the pandemic that has prompted both workers and businesses to seek flexible work arrangements.
To address the skill gaps, the report outlines effective upskilling methods for gig workers. It indicates that on-the-job training (76.19%) and online courses (73.81%) are among the most beneficial approaches. These options offer practical experience while allowing gig workers the flexibility to learn concurrently with their work.
By improving both industry-specific knowledge and soft skills, gig workers can significantly enhance their employability and improve the quality of their work, according to the report.
