Shitzen 'Gig'gles

Let’s get the facts right first. The word ‘gig’ and hence ‘gig economy’ might be a cool thing to talk about but the stark reality is different as the word and term has been grossly misunderstood.

Traditionally, the manufacturing sector for various reasons have always had what are called ‘contract’ workers and ‘temporary’ workers or ‘casual’ workers. Given the legal and labour framework that this sector operates in, unfortunately there are a significantly large number of such workers who have been working as contract, casual or temporary – permanently! For years together. For every law that prohibits such actions there are always legal loopholes that have been found.

Now the same thing is spreading to the white-collar world, under the garb of a very cool and ‘millennial’ word called Gig. Original meaning of this word is a slang for a live music performance. Adapted meaning is a job, especially one that is temporary or that has an uncertain future. The other day there was a huge article in the business press about how companies are now going aggressive in terms of adapting to the so called gig economy and there are a few who have gone on record to say that their gig hiring will go up 60% etc. So, does this mean all these companies have a ‘project’ based requirement that is short term for which they are looking for gig workers? Can’t imagine that.

What it means that they are going to hire people as always but only on contract, as temps, as casuals, in the white collared world. So all you young people who might want to call themselves gig workers - lets be clear what you actually are! Not trying to puncture anyone’s ego here, just a simple reality check. If you do a weekend stint with a retailer, do a short-term project or an assignment with any company, consumer research work for some brand, event activation for someone in a mall – yes that’s a true Gig.

Everything else – caveat emptor! Gig anyone?