Gig Conference: Get a Slice of the $1.3 Trillion Pie

What is the gig economy? Some say it’s a phenomenon taking over the world. Others lament it’s a movement that means low-paying jobs with little security and no benefits.

Regardless of which camp you find yourself in, there is no doubt the growth of the gig economy represents a change in the way Americans view work. Many take gig projects for the freedom, flexibility and fulfillment it gives them. The continuing rise of the gig economy is taking place as unemployment rates are at historic lows.

We at SIA estimate there are 53 million gig workers in the US, representing 34% of all workers in this economy. By SIA’s definition, a contingent — or gig — worker is anyone earning money by performing work that has a limited tenure from the client’s perspective, whether a summer intern or an outside consultant brought in for a project.

We see no reason to limit the concept of a “gig” solely to transactions mediated online, thus “gig” and “contingent” are synonymous in our mind, and our reports reflect that. The human cloud, or as some call it “electronically mediated work’ has gained much notoriety but it’s just one part of the gig economy. This includes Uber drivers and those working online through platforms such as Upwork.

It is predicted that by 2020, the United States will have 1.5 million fewer college educated workers than the economy needs. Another 6 million will have not completed high school. This is in spite of the fact that college attendance and graduation rates have improved overall and more people are taking degrees online. Given this scenario, how do you find skilled workers for your projects?

As professionals in the workforce solutions ecosystem, it’s important to understand this new, growing economy and how your business fits into it. What does it mean for the industry? Is this the future? Hear SIA President Barry Asin’s reasons for why you should attend the Collaboration in the Gig Economy conference. Arm yourself with data in this tight market so you are better equipped to tap quality talent for big and small projects.

Understanding the developments behind a tight labor market and the gig economy is critical to growing your business regardless of your role in the workforce solutions ecosystem. Enterprise clients, VMS/MSP providers, staffing firms et all — are encouraged to attend this conference to collaborate around how to match the right talent with the right jobs and how new technology will support this new economy. The gig economy is generating $1.3 trillion in the US, and you want to capitalize on this new world of work. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

 

Beth Lane

Beth Lane
Beth Lane is senior director of marketing at Staffing Industry Analysts. She can be reached at blane (at) staffingindustry (dot) com.

Beth Lane

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