India’s job market experienced a modest upturn in March 2024, as indicated by a 3% increase in the overall hiring index compared to the preceding month. Despite this positive trend, there was a 4% decline in hiring compared to the same period last year, signalling a deceleration in recruitment activities.
A notable surge was observed in white-collar gig jobs, marking a remarkable 184% increase compared to the previous year. This surge underscores a growing preference among professionals for flexible work arrangements, such as temporary or freelance positions, over traditional full-time employment. Concurrently, the number of gig workers rose by 21% during this period, underscoring companies’ growing reliance on freelancers and independent contractors.
The IT sector experienced a significant boom in the gig economy, nearly doubling its share from 22% in March 2023 to 46% in March 2024. This surge reflects a heightened demand for skilled freelance coders, IT consultants, and other technology professionals. Similarly, the advertising and marketing fields witnessed substantial growth in gig jobs, soaring from 5% to 18% over the past year.
As per the reports, Sekhar Garisa, CEO of foundit, emphasized the pandemic’s role in shaping both employers’ and employees’ perceptions of flexible working arrangements, such as remote work and gig jobs. Garisa highlighted the cost-effectiveness for businesses and the freedom it offers employees to work from anywhere. He anticipated further growth in the gig economy in the coming months, advising job seekers to equip themselves with relevant skills to stand out in a competitive market.
In contrast, the Banking/Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) sector saw no growth in March, indicating a period of stability in the industry. The Manufacturing sector exhibited mixed trends, with a slight decline in Production and Manufacturing from 6% to 5%, suggesting fluctuations in industrial output or demand. Conversely, the Telecom/ISP industry witnessed growth, with a 6% rise in March, possibly driven by increased demand for connectivity or advancements in telecommunications infrastructure.
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