Zomato, Swiggy, Uber boost festive odd jobs, but skills gap remains a challenge: Report

As India gears up for the festive season, TeamLease Edtech predicts that demand for temporary workers will soar to new heights. This season, employers plan to hire one million temporary workers and 250,000 contract workers across sectors, with e-commerce leading the way.

Companies like Uber, Ola, Swiggy and Zomato are offering significant opportunities, reflecting the changes in the labor market that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated and that have forced employees and companies to seek flexible work arrangements, according to a report by TeamLease.

The Gig Economy Skills report provides an in-depth look at the essential skills needed to succeed in this rapidly growing sector.

The report’s findings are based on a survey of 837 employers from a wide range of sectors.

The Skills Gap Among Temporary Workers

Despite growing demand, a recent TeamLease EdTech study found a persistent skills gap among contingent workers, with 42.86% of employers citing a lack of industry knowledge as a top concern, citing a need for specialist skills in specific sectors.

While contingent workers often possess technical skills, a lack of expertise in a given field can limit their efficiency and effectiveness.

In addition, 28.57% of employers cited soft skills, including communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, as another critical gap. These skills are essential for contingent workers who often manage multiple clients and projects at once.

Connecting the gaps

To bridge these gaps, the report identifies the best ways for contingent workers to upskill. According to the data, on-the-job training (76.19%) and online courses (73.81%) are the most effective methods. These options provide contingent workers with practical experience and the flexibility to learn on the job. By improving both industry knowledge and interpersonal skills, contingent workers can significantly increase their employability and efficiency in delivering high-quality results.

“The gig economy has fundamentally changed the employment landscape. It is changing the way we work by introducing a level of flexibility that aligns with modern work preferences,” said Shantanu Rooj, Founder and CEO of TeamLease EdTech.

“But with this change comes the need for ongoing upskilling. As demand increases, especially during peak periods like the holiday season, it’s clear that gig workers need to develop industry knowledge to remain competitive. By strengthening their skills, they’re not only filling current gaps, they’re also preparing for the future of work, where adaptability will be a key factor in success.”

Jaideep Kewalramani, Head of Employability Business and COO, TeamLease Edtech, added, “In the field, we often see that while gig workers are tech-savvy, they struggle to manage customer interactions and adapt to the dynamic needs of multiple projects. As the holiday season approaches, their ability to improve their communication and problem-solving skills will play a key role. Success in the gig economy is a combination of factors, including technical proficiency, communication skills, time management, and adaptability.”