This festive season, digital literacy a must for gig workers

This year, the gig economy is expected to increase at least 20 per cent during the festive season. With the rapid transformation of the labour market, employers are highlighting technical (75.90 per cent) and communication skills (68.67 per cent) as essential for gig workers. With the economy also becoming more tech-driven, proficiency in these areas is crucial for navigating digital tools, collaborating remotely, and meeting client expectations.

Indeed’s data reveals the top five roles expected to see the highest increase in hiring this festive season.

“We typically start preparing for the festive season two months in advance. However, this year was crucial for our employer partners, who anticipated a 20-25% increase in consumer demand. To support them, we began our preparations even earlier, building a strong talent pipeline. Our sector-specific go-to-market campaigns helped us deliver tailored solutions across industries like logistics, e-commerce, and quick commerce, filling key roles such as Logistics Managers, Warehouse Associates, Delivery Partners, and Customer Support Managers,” said Nirmit Parikh, founder & CEO of Apna.co.

Importance of digital literacy in gig economy

One of the most pressing requirements today is digital literacy. According to data from TeamLease EdTech, over 90% of respondents highlight the importance of digital proficiency, particularly since many gig roles, such as delivery jobs, are inherently digital. Mastery of digital tools and platforms is essential for success in the gig economy.

With this in mind, on-the-job training (76.19%) and online courses (73.81%) are the most preferred methods for gig workers to upskill. These options offer practical, hands-on experience and flexible learning opportunities. However, the actual utilisation of such courses remains uncertain. As one 21-year-old courier delivery agent said, “We had a small training when I joined, but there’s no ongoing course. I doubt anyone will spend time learning when they’re here to hustle.”

Common skill gaps among new gig workers include industry-specific knowledge (42.86%) and soft skills (28.57%). Employers are looking for gig workers who possess a combination of domain knowledge, technical skills, and strong soft skills to effectively handle client interactions. In a gig economy, where many workers engage remotely, the ability to communicate clearly and effectively is crucial. Good communication fosters collaboration, ensures client requirements are understood and met, and helps manage relationships and expectations. Ultimately, effective communication can be the difference between a successful project and a missed opportunity.

Several industries are showing a marked increase in demand for seasonal workers compared to the previous year.

Looking ahead, AI and automation skills are projected to be the most critical for gig workers, with 53.57 per cent of respondents emphasising their importance. As technology continues to evolve, proficiency in AI and automation will be crucial for gig workers to stay competitive. These skills enable workers to efficiently handle tasks that involve machine learning, robotics, and intelligent systems, making them indispensable in various industries.

Advanced technical skills follow, with 21.43 per cent of respondents highlighting their necessity. This category includes expertise in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and advanced IT infrastructure. As digital transformation accelerates, these technical skills will be increasingly valuable.

Sustainability practices are noted by 14.29 per cent of respondents as important. This reflects a growing emphasis on environmentally friendly practices and sustainable business models. Gig workers equipped with knowledge in sustainability can contribute to projects aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting green initiatives.

“With this shift comes the need for continuous upskilling. As demand surges, especially during peak periods like the festive season, it’s clear that gig workers must develop industry-specific knowledge to remain competitive. By strengthening their skills, they are not only filling current gaps but also preparing for the future of work, where adaptability will be the key driver of success,” said Shantanu Rooj, Founder and CEO of TeamLease EdTech.

Demand increasing in Tier 2 and 3 cities

Interestingly, the data suggests that the demand is not just rising in the metros, but Tier 2 and 3 cities are now emerging as the real engines of growth.

As per data assessed by Indeed, in major metros such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, and Kolkata, there is an 18-20 per cent increase compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, Tier 2 and 3 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 per cent increase in hiring.

This growth reflects several factors driving demand in smaller cities. As companies look to expand their market reach and tap into new customer bases, they are increasingly focusing on Tier 2 and 3 cities, where consumer spending is rising due to improving economic conditions and growing disposable incomes. Additionally, the increased internet penetration and digital adoption in these regions have enabled e-commerce, retail, and logistics companies to drive better customer experiences, creating more demand for a flexible workforce that can handle seasonal spikes in activity.