An alternative workforce is on the rise, consisting of people who are increasingly choosing to opt out of the traditional employment model that doesn’t offer much flexibility and keeps them tied to one place.
This phenomena actually has a name for itself and is called the gig economy, where people are brought on-board on contractual basis. The work is mostly short-term assignments, or now known as “gigs”. These gigs enable service providers to draw their own work schedule, leading to more flexibility and better work-life balance.
The UAE, which traditionally has had very few options for contractual or gig workers, is finally catching up with the trend. One of the reasons behind this change is the fast-evolving dynamics of the Gulf landscape, where several vigorous and ambitious projects have been planned by the government. And these projects require a diverse and flexible talent pool. In fact, earlier this year, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), even introduced a part-time working resolution that allows workers to work for more than one employer.
The gig economy is not only a preference of professionals, but is also perceived positively by the employers. According to a research conducted by Oracle, 64% of HR leaders in the UAE believe that the gig economy will reduce long-term costs associated with recruitment and training. The same survey also found that 48% of HR directors believe the gig approach will allow them to develop a broader and more specialist range of skills.
Now let’s deep-dive into the how and why of the gig economy, and how it is redefining the UAE workplace.
Dynamic requirements meet flexible solutions
The UAE government is in high gear and looking for major upheavals in various sectors. Some of these goals such as, transforming 25% of transportation towards autonomous vehicles by 2030, increasing the share of renewable energy and building a supersonic transport system Hyperloop One, require expertise from external and flexible resources – one that only a welcoming and a smoothly running gig economy can provide.
Fast moving markets meet fluid talent pools
Independent contracting is on the rise in the UAE, and more and more UAE clients are demanding cross-country/continental expertize for meeting their fast-moving and diverse demands. This means that your Emirati career can take off from anywhere in the world, provided you have the right skills for the job at hand.
Unique problems meet unique solutions
The present conditions in the UAE are highly favourable for a thriving gig economy, simply because freelancing and independent contracts not only ease legal strictures on hiring but they also open up the world as a recruiting zone.
Modern needs meet new age possibilities
Brave and successful ventures such as, the Unicorn taxi-hailing app ‘Careem’ and delivery app Fletchr, which operates across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, are driving this novel form of workplace forward. Businesses like these are continuously creating opportunities for enterprising individuals from flexible locations.
The wave of gig economy is visible across the globe. In the UAE, it is making way for an ideal balance where businesses will have a small and competent team of Emiratis with permanent contracts, supported by flexible and productive individuals employed on a project-by-project basis. At the same time, the gig economy enables professionals to take jobs when it suits them and have control over their time. They can decide on the number of projects they wish to take up and their lengths, giving them utmost freedom and flexibility. Basis this, tt will be safe to say that gig is now the new big, for both professionals and companies!