The Covid-19 scenario brought along a grim employment outlook, however, there is a silver lining in sight for those who are willing to seize the opportunity. As full-time staff positions dwindle, contract and freelance work is gaining massive momentum. This also includes very technical roles as well as software development, statistical analysis, et al.

Companies are realising that freelancers can be good for the bottom line

Companies still need to get work done and are beginning to get a better sense of what a remote, on-demand workforce can accomplish. If companies pay only for vital tasks as they’re needed and are able to choose from a wider range of geographically dispersed workers, they can better manage the bottom line.

The key to survival in the workplace is to adapt. Businesses are finding new ways to get work done during this period of groundbreaking revolution. It is widely known and proven that a gig economy is profitable for companies, given that they can accommodate a temporary workforce according to customer requirements or business needs, leading to saving administrative and compliance costs. This framework allows startups and smaller companies to leverage skilled professionals as required. The setup is synergetic and both parties have the liberty to look for options that cater to their needs.

The digital workplace is the new normal, and freelancers are already pros at working online

Besides, freelancers need the ability to work effectively as part of a distributed workforce. No matter how long social distancing is going to be the norm, the pandemic has underscored the need for workers to thrive outside of traditional office settings. Many freelancers may have picked this employment model because it seems to offer freedom — the freedom to work anytime and, sometimes, anywhere.

Freelancers are willing and have the ability to take on more tasks because they are incentivised to work hard. Additionally, they aren’t averse to working outside of the normal 9-5 workday. So, if your business needs someone who can put in long hours of work, look no further than a freelancer. And since the digital workplace is part of the new normal, you can rely on your on-demand hire to work from wherever they are in the world. There’s nothing that a freelancer can’t do with a computer and good internet connectivity.

Possibly the most glitzy segment of freelancing is the supposed creative class, the well connected, well-educated and globalised section of workers that specialise in communications, media, design, art and tech, among others sectors. However, large-size firms in segments like FMCG, education, IT & IT-enabled services, consulting, and more, also intend to utilise freelance talent now more than ever.

The rise of freelancing is an indication of future trends

Ever since COVID-19 has been in the picture, companies have realized their dependence on digital solutions, leading them to focus on digitalization in education, health, finance and other sectors.  IT experts and project managers skilled at AI, machine learning, and big data will be in high demand. Corporates will move forward with smaller workforces, invariably using freelancers across the board. 

The rise of freelancing is a crucial visible indicator of the future of work, particularly in terms of collaboration practices. Freelancers are already assisting and enabling the co-management of projects. Soon enough, they will also be creating, communicating, and joining forces with firms, customers, and with India Inc at large.

Author(s)

  • Vanshika Goenka

    CEO & Founder

    Kool Kanya

    Vanshika Goenka is the CEO & Founder of Kool Kanya, an online career community for women where they can be part of a mutually supportive ecosystem that helps them learn from each other and grow in their careers. Vanshika graduated in 2016 from Brown University -  Bachelors in Political Science with Magna Cum Laude, Pi Sigma Alpha and Pi beta Kapha.   Vanshika started her career at a tech start-up that worked on creating an augmented reality textile toy. Post that she worked with a sanitary pad company which was when she noticed the disparity between men and women in the workplace. Understanding the gender disparity at work, she wanted to come up with a product solely for women, and thus Kool Kanya was formed in 2019. The words she strongly associates the platform with are-  trust, a safe space, success and guidance.   Vanshika's vision is to create a one stop destination for everything to do with a woman’s career, create a platform that women find genuinely helpful and provide them with the tools, resources and support needed in order to succeed. The issues that Kool Kanya wants to help resolve include providing a space to ask questions, fostering connections with people in similar fields, giving access to tools to help deal with legal and financial aspects, finding mentors and finding opportunities for collaborations. Over the last year Kool Kanya has successfully seen a reach of over a 1M users and are looking to launch their Marketplace soon.   In her view, Vanshika foresees the platform to grow and help more women in the future as women are increasingly looking up to take up freelancing and work from home opportunities as well. As per Kool Kanya’s observations, approximately 5.2 million women are looking for jobs in India. While more women are turning to freelancing as a career option, many of them are unsure about how to start, deal with legal  and financial nuances or run an independent business, which is where Kool Kanya comes in.   Vanshika looks up to her mother as a role model and has always sought advice and support from her. Vanshika likes reading autobiographies/biographies, dancing, working out and loves to unwind by curling up with a book and a cup of tea. She is very passionate about travelling, enjoys getting out of her comfort zone and loves to explore new cultures.