Top skills needed for gig workers this festive season: Insights from Indeed

The gig economy is booming, especially during the festive season when consumer demand surges across e-commerce, logistics, and service sectors. But thriving in this fast-paced environment requires more than just being available, it demands a specific set of skills.

In Short

• Festive season to boost gig hiring by 20% in India
• Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities see the highest job growth
• E-commerce leads with a 35% sales surge

We are in the festive season now which calls for a big surge in the need for gig workers driven by booming consumer demand in sectors like e-commerce, logistics, and quick commerce. As per a Teamlease EdTech survey, the 2024 festive season was likely to hire 1 million gig workers and 250,000 contractual workers.

According to an Indeed report, hiring is expected to jump by 20% this season compared to the previous year, with a notable rise in job opportunities across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

But thriving in this fast-paced environment requires more than just being available, it demands a specific set of skills.

KEY DATA HIGHLIGHTS: INDEED REPORT

• Seasonal hiring surge: The festive season will see a 20% increase in gig work opportunities. The highest rise in job postings is for delivery executives (up 30%), followed by warehouse workers (up 25%) and logistics coordinators (up 20%).
• City-specific demand: Major metro areas like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore will see a rise in seasonal job openings by 18-20%, but smaller cities such as Lucknow, Jaipur, and Chandigarh are leading the growth at 22-25%. This trend is supported by growing disposable income and digital adoption in these regions.
• Sector trends: E-commerce is set to see a 35% surge in sales this season, leading the charge in gig hiring. Logistics and quick commerce are also expanding, with job postings increasing by 15% and 11%, respectively.

TOP SKILLS FOR GIG WORKERS

As per Indeed, here’s a look at the essential skills that gig workers must master to make the most of these opportunities:

1. Digital literacy: Understanding and efficiently using gig platforms is crucial. Workers need to be adept at navigation apps, order management, and digital payment systems.
2. Time management: Peak hours often come with surge pricing, so planning and managing shifts to capitalise on these periods can significantly boost earnings.
3. Financial management: Using expense-tracking apps helps workers manage costs related to vehicle maintenance and fuel, ensuring that their net earnings are maximised.
4. Communication skills: Clear communication is critical, especially for delivery and logistics roles, to ensure smooth interactions with customers and managers.
5. Adaptability: The ability to quickly learn and use new technology and platforms is essential in the dynamic gig economy landscape.

INITIATIVES AND CHALLENGES

To support the growing demand for digital skills, companies are investing in training programmes, while government initiatives are focusing on improving digital literacy among economically disadvantaged communities.

However, challenges remain, such as language barriers and limited high-speed internet access in some regions, highlighting the need for more inclusive digital infrastructure.

For gig workers, staying updated with technological tools and market dynamics is crucial to thriving during this high-demand season.

The right set of skills not only increases immediate earnings but also paves the way for long-term opportunities as the gig economy continues to evolve.