The demand for gig workers has seen a significant surge during the festive season of 2024, with over 1.2 million gig roles being posted, according to a report by Avsar, a recruitment consulting and outsourcing firm. This increase in gig hiring can be attributed to the growth of e-commerce, the trend of ‘just-in-time’ hiring, and increased consumer spending.
The report by Avsar also highlights the steady growth in gig worker demand over the years. In 2024, gig worker demand increased by 10 percent, reaching a total demand of 22 percent compared to 12 percent in 2023, 18 percent in 2022, 15 percent in 2021, 10 percent in 2020, and 8 percent in 2019. This trend indicates a growing reliance on gig workers by businesses across various industries.
During the festive season, logistics, retail, and customer support roles were the most in-demand gig jobs. Logistics roles accounted for 35 percent of all gig jobs, followed by retail and e-commerce at 28 percent, and customer support at 15 percent. The report also noted a rise in sustainability-focused roles, with green gig jobs making up 5 percent of total postings. Additionally, part-time roles in technology and other specialized, project-based roles are on the rise, showcasing the diversification of gig work beyond traditional roles.
Metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi NCR, and Bengaluru continue to dominate the demand for gig roles, accounting for 53% of the total demand. However, tier-2 cities such as Surat, Jaipur, and Lucknow have also seen a significant increase in gig job demand, ranging from 12 percent to 15 percent.
Businesses are increasingly turning to gig workers instead of permanent hires, offering higher pay during the festive season. According to the report, field technicians can earn around Rs 35,000 per month, while customer support executives and delivery personnel can earn between Rs 18,000 and Rs 28,000 monthly. This rise in pay reflects the shortage of skilled workers in high-demand roles and the need for businesses to meet rising service expectations during peak times.
Navneet Singh, Founder and CEO of Avsar, emphasized the growing importance of gig work, stating that gig jobs offer individuals flexibility, strong earnings, and meaningful roles while providing businesses with the agility to thrive during peak periods. Singh believes that gig work is evolving into a lasting and impactful career path for India’s workforce, with roles that align with growing values around sustainability.
In conclusion, the rise in demand for gig workers during the festive season of 2024 highlights the evolving nature of the gig economy and its significance in meeting the dynamic needs of businesses and workers alike.
