Robo-Firing, Gig Workers and Heatwaves, Gig Work in Texas’ Record Heat Wave, Actors vs. A.I., and More...

Approximately 60 million independent workers in the United States represent $1.5 trillion in U.S. GDP and growing. Projections estimate that 50% of our U.S. workforce will be independent workers by 2025- 2030. The Gig Economy represents a trend that will digitally transform the future of work.

Every?organization?in?every industry?needs a Gig Economy strategy. Not having one is like missing the internet trend in 1990 or the mobile revolution in 2010.

?The Freelance Revolution

The Industrial Revolution of our time is the rise of independent contractors and the globalization of knowledge work. We can see the U.S. workforce undergoing a massive structural change everywhere we look.

U.K. bill waters down protections against 'robo-firing' in gig economy, say experts ?- A proposed bill aiming to weaken the right of gig economy workers to demand explanations for automated decisions made by app-based companies has raised concerns among experts. The bill would undermine the current ability for workers to require transparency when algorithms are used for decision-making, reducing their ability to seek explanations. Critics view the bill as part of a deregulation trend that could negatively impact gig economy workers and reduce safeguards for automated decision-making systems.

Gig work in Texas' record heat wave: 'there was no shade anywhere' ?- Life in the Gig Economy shares the experiences of workers like Terry N., a 62-year-old handyman who has been finding tasks through TaskRabbit for nine years. Despite health concerns in the scorching heat, Terry takes on various tasks, from interior painting to furniture assembly, even though he initially avoids outdoor work due to his sensitivity to the sun. Regular clients and the desire to work keep him tackling jobs, navigating the challenges of heat waves and client demands while reflecting on his father's advice about the feast-or-famine nature of gig work.

'Suit up for the backlash!': The battle to regulate New York's gig economy ?- Brad Lander, a prominent New York City official, has faced resistance from well-funded gig companies in his efforts to establish a minimum wage for food delivery workers. Despite successful advocacy, including a lawsuit, New York became the first city in the U.S. to implement a permanent minimum wage for these workers. Lander, a progressive politician, notes the challenges in regulating the gig economy due to the influence of powerful companies, highlighting the need for more comprehensive protection of gig workers' rights.

8 Reasons You Should Work a Full-Time Job Before Freelancing ?- Before embracing a full-time freelancing career, it's wise to consider the benefits of starting a traditional job. Firstly, you can rapidly develop skills through hands-on experience, meeting client expectations effectively. Second, the guidance of experienced colleagues enhances your growth, and building a professional network opens doors to future freelance opportunities. Lastly, a steady income, stable work ethic, and learning from mistakes within a structured job environment prepare you for the challenges of freelancing. A strategic approach, such as freelancing as a side hustle while working full-time, can establish a strong foundation for a successful freelance journey.

A.I. Meets Talent: The Age of Generative AI

With the "Big Bang" moment in November 2022, OpenAI's ChatGPT was launched, ushering in a new era of generative A.I., accelerating the fusion of technology and talent, and presenting challenges and opportunities for individuals and businesses alike.

Actors vs. A.I.: Strike brings focus to emerging use of advanced tech ?- Hollywood actors, led by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), are voicing concerns over the use of generative artificial intelligence in creative professions, fearing an existential threat to their roles. Fran Drescher, SAG-AFTRA's president, emphasized that actors and performers deserve safeguards against exploitation by A.I. This concern reflects broader anxieties among creative professionals about the potential loss of control and income due to unregulated A.I. replication and remixing of their work.

Hollywood's Struggle in the Gig Economy and A.I. Era ?- The COVID-19 pandemic's impact on Hollywood has accelerated technology adoption and shifted consumer preferences. The gig economy's growth and the rise of A.I. are challenging actors and writers. Streaming's rise led to industry fragmentation, affecting residuals for creative talent, while A.I. could revolutionize formulaic genres, raising concerns about identity appropriation. Negotiating A.I. usage limits could lead to innovative, flexible platforms, enabling actors and writers to adapt to the changing landscape.

How layoffs and A.I. impact tech workers ?- Tech companies faced significant layoffs, shedding over 386,000 jobs last year and in the first half of this year, a trend on the rise. However, amidst these layoffs, the booming artificial intelligence market has infused the industry with renewed optimism. The enthusiasm is palpable in the tech hubs, fueled by substantial investments in A.I. startups, such as generative A.I., with Q1 of this year seeing over $12 billion invested, compared to $4.5 billion in the entirety of last year.

The Changing Workplace

We see unprecedented numbers of companies implementing remote work programs. How we work has forever changed and requires new skills and leadership approaches.

The 'Lazy-Girl Job' Is In Right Now. Here's Why ?- Young women like Victoria Bilodeau celebrate their "lazy-girl jobs," allowing for better work-life balance. These roles, often in digital marketing, customer success, or office administration, are typically remote and come with flexible hours, giving individuals the freedom to exercise, meditate, or pursue personal interests. While some critics argue that aspiring to these jobs may hinder career growth, proponents emphasize that achieving balance and avoiding burnout is a priority for their generation.

The Weaponization of Loneliness ?- The rise of loneliness and social isolation in the United States poses a significant threat to democracy. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy's advisory emphasizes the connection between loneliness and declining civic engagement, highlighting the role of technology's role in exacerbating these issues. The decline of social ties has contributed to political polarization, economic inequality, and the erosion of trust, making the country more vulnerable to authoritarianism and disinformation. The author suggests that addressing social isolation, investing in community infrastructure, and fostering a sense of shared responsibility are crucial to rebuilding trust and strengthening democracy.

Here are the four things employers need to offer to keep workers from quitting ?- The "Big Stay" era emerged as a response to the pandemic-induced job market upheaval, signifying a shift toward employees opting to remain in their current roles due to economic uncertainties. While job hopping has decreased, the concept of loyalty has evolved. Workers demand enhanced engagement, autonomy, role clarity, and career investment from employers as priorities shift in the post-pandemic work environment.

Billionaire Mike Bloomberg is tired of remote work 'excuses'—especially when it comes to civil servants: 'This has gone on too long. The pandemic is over' ?- Media magnate Michael Bloomberg criticizes federal agencies for allowing employees to work from home, claiming taxpayers are bearing the cost of empty offices. In an article for The Washington Post, Bloomberg asserts that the pandemic is over and excuses for maintaining empty offices should cease. A report from the United States Government Accountability Office reveals that federal agencies spend billions leasing and maintaining rarely used offices, prompting Bloomberg to call for immediate action and improved service to taxpayers.

PAUL ESTES has been at the cutting edge of technology for over 20 years with leadership roles at Dell, Amazon, Microsoft, MURAL, MagicLeap, and Ally Robotics. He struggled to balance his life with these fast-moving leadership roles, so he hired his first virtual assistant, transforming how he lived and worked. He shares his experience in his best-selling book?Gig Mindset ?which helps people and organizations understand that now is the time to address systemic?location bias ?and encourage companies to reach beyond their organizational boundaries to engage the world's best minds.??

He is inspired by the work of the late?Leila Janah , author of?Give Work: Reversing Poverty One Job ?at a Time, and her quote, "Talent is equally distributed, opportunity is not." This inspiration inspired Paul to lead a team of progressive H.R., procurement, and legal trailblazers to launch Microsoft's Gig Economy freelance program.??

Paul is the former host of the?Work on Demand Podcast . Each week, Paul provides insights and perspective to over 100,000 readers of his weekly LinkedIn newsletter, and he frequently shares his insights as a keynote speaker and panelist.

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