As the festive season approaches, businesses in India are gearing up for increased consumer demand flourishing gig economy.
One notable trend is the surge in gig hiring, with companies across various sectors looking to bolster their workforce.
According to data from job site Indeed, seasonal hiring is projected to rise by 20% compared to last year. Among the industries leading this trend, e-commerce stands out prominently.
The Gig Economy: A Growing Phenomenon
The gig economy, characterized by short-term or freelance work arrangements, has gained significant traction in recent years. Companies are increasingly relying on gig workers to meet fluctuating demands during peak seasons, such as festivals.
These flexible roles provide employment opportunities while allowing businesses to scale up quickly.
Sashi Kumar, Head of Sales, Indeed India, said “The festive season is a crucial period for businesses across India, and we’re seeing a significant uptick in hiring for seasonal roles as companies prepare to meet heightened consumer demand.”
He added, “The industries that are growing — e-commerce, logistics, quick commerce — are doing so because they’re aligned with the needs and behaviours of today’s consumers. This is where the future of India’s job market could be heading.”
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Key Roles in Demand
Several gig roles have witnessed increased hiring activity:
Delivery Executives: With the rise of online shopping, the demand for delivery executives has surged. E-commerce platforms need efficient and reliable delivery personnel to ensure timely order fulfillment.
Warehouse Workers: E-commerce companies require additional warehouse staff to manage inventory, packing, and dispatch. Warehouses play a crucial role in the supply chain, and efficient workers are essential.
Logistics Coordinators: Coordinators handle the logistics of moving goods from suppliers to customers. Their responsibilities include route planning, inventory management, and optimizing delivery schedules.
In-Store Sales Executives: Even brick-and-mortar retailers are hiring gig workers to handle increased footfall during festivals. Sales executives assist customers, manage stock, and maintain store operations.
Customer Care Executives: As customer inquiries spike, companies need additional support staff. Customer care executives handle queries, complaints, and provide assistance.
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Gig Economy: E-Commerce Leads the Way
The e-commerce industry has witnessed remarkable growth, especially during festive seasons.
Consumers increasingly prefer online shopping due to convenience, discounts, and a wide product range. E-commerce platforms experience a surge in orders, necessitating more gig workers.
E-commerce companies are rapidly expanding their warehouse networks. Additional warehouse workers are crucial for efficient order processing and inventory management.
Timely deliveries are critical during festivals when gift-giving and celebrations are at their peak. E-commerce platforms rely on gig delivery executives to meet customer expectations.
Regional Trends
While metro cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, and Kolkata are witnessing an 18-20% year-on-year increase in seasonal hiring, it’s the tier-2 and tier-3 cities that are emerging as engines of growth.
Cities such as Nagpur, Jaipur, Vadodara, Kochi, Vizag, Madurai, Lucknow, Gurugram, Chandigarh, Indore, Coimbatore, Surat, Bhubaneswar, and Bhopal are experiencing an even higher surge, with a 22-25% increase in hiring.
As industries like e-commerce, logistics, and quick commerce expand, they create employment opportunities. The festive season serves as a crucial period for businesses, and gig hiring plays a pivotal role in meeting heightened consumer demand.
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