The gig economy is on the rise, with more freelance workers entering the workforce every year. From delivery drivers to independent scientists, individuals are opting for the flexibility and autonomy that gig work offers. However, with this rise in freelance workers comes a unique set of challenges that they must navigate to thrive in this non-traditional work environment.
Brianna Caza, an organizational psychology expert and associate professor at UNC Greensboro, is shedding light on the challenges faced by gig workers and strategies for overcoming them. Caza’s research focuses on how individuals can excel in difficult work situations, particularly when working alone or without the structure of a traditional organization.
One of the key challenges that gig workers face is related to their identity. Unlike traditional employees who have a stable organizational identity, freelance workers often struggle to define what they do because their work can vary from day to day or project to project. This lack of a clear career path and stable identity badge can make it challenging for gig workers to communicate who they work for and what they do.
In addition to identity challenges, gig workers must also cope with the emotional highs and lows that come with unpredictable and highly personal work. Balancing core work that pays the bills with essential tasks like accounting and marketing can be overwhelming for freelancers who must wear multiple hats to succeed in the gig economy.
To help gig workers improve their motivation, focus, and energy management throughout their workday, Caza and her colleagues have introduced interventions that leverage virtual social contact. By engaging in virtual social networking or virtual coworking sessions, gig workers can connect with others, exchange tips and advice, and engage in focused work exercises based on the Pomodoro technique.
The Pomodoro technique involves working on a single task for 25 minutes without interruption, followed by a 5-minute break. This pattern of focused work and short breaks can help freelancers stay productive and maintain their energy levels throughout the day. The researchers found that introducing virtual social contact had positive effects on workers’ outcomes, with virtual coworking sessions showing lasting benefits into the end of the day.
Caza’s research not only contributes to the science of organizational psychology but also aims to design interventions that everyday people can use to improve their well-being in the workplace. By giving gig workers tools to optimize their work lives, Caza hopes to help individuals achieve a sense of pride, competence, and fulfillment in their work.
As the gig economy continues to grow, understanding the challenges faced by freelance workers and developing strategies to support their success will be crucial. By addressing issues related to identity, emotional well-being, and work structure, researchers like Brianna Caza are paving the way for a more resilient and thriving gig economy workforce.
