{"id":20185,"date":"2024-10-28T15:16:27","date_gmt":"2024-10-28T13:16:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/?p=20185"},"modified":"2024-10-30T13:20:08","modified_gmt":"2024-10-30T11:20:08","slug":"the-gig-economy-exploring-the-trend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/the-gig-economy-exploring-the-trend","title":{"rendered":"The Gig Economy- Exploring the Trend"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The gig economy refers to the economy of independent workers who are not titled under a company and work as project contractors, freelancers, and independent consultants. Prior to the trend, the term gig was mainly used by musicians or creative artists to describe a show or a contract they received for a stated period. They got \u201cgigs\u201d for shows and gallery displays. The gig economy is mostly termed as \u2018side hustle.\u2019 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new gig economy has assisted not only the youth of Ghana but also the global scape. Gig economy workers include ride app drivers, freelancers, project-based workers, and part-time workers, amongst others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to a study by World Bank blogs<\/a>, this economy thrives on digital platforms used by the youth globally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cAs explored in the recent World Bank report Working without Borders<\/em><\/a>, many young workers are using digital platforms to access jobs from all over the globe and embracing online gig work rather than pursuing informal, low-quality, local jobs. They are performing task-based jobs facilitated through online gig platforms, continually upgrading their skills, and trying to stay ahead of the competition and evolving technology.\u201d\u2014 <\/em>World Bank Blogs
<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

THE GHANAIAN YOUTH AND THE GIG ECONOMY<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

According to Ghana Statistical Services in its 2023 Quarter Labour Statistics report<\/a>, \u201cthe average unemployment rate for the first three quarters of 2023 was 14.7 percent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201c<\/em>the average unemployment rate for the first three quarters of 2023 was 14.7 percent.\u201d \u2014Ghana Statistical Service<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Unemployment has increased the rate at which the youth enter into the informal labour force. The strain on the formal sector and quality are all factors that have influenced this shift. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, recent or long-time graduates are also shifting to this change using social media platforms and freelance platforms like Upwork. They are also moving to IT-related jobs since there has been an increase in remote employment in this industry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, the youth have moved to ride apps to supplement their incomes and keep up with living expenses. Apps such as Bolt offer the rider flexible working hours and not only ride-hailing apps, okada, photography, and food delivery. Independent workers also engage in gigs from companies seeking to cut down costs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rise of the gig economy in Ghana represents more than just a shift in employment; it reflects the changing dynamics of the country\u2019s labour market. Faced with limited job opportunities and rising living costs, many young people are turning to gig work to support themselves. This shift is also helping companies that seek to cut costs by outsourcing tasks to independent workers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Table of Contents<\/p>\n