Zomato, Swiggy, Uber Ramp Up Festive Gig Jobs, But Skill Gap Remains A Challenge: Report

As India prepares for its festive season, TeamLease Edtech projects demand for gig workers will soar to new heights. This season, employers plan to hire one million gig workers and 250,000 contractual workers across sectors, with e-commerce leading the charge.

Companies like Uber, Ola, Swiggy, and Zomato offer significant opportunities, reflecting the shifting labour market accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has driven workers and businesses to seek flexible work arrangements as per TeamLease report.

The “Gig Economy Skills” report presents an in-depth analysis of the essential skills required for success in this rapidly growing sector.

The findings in this report are based on a survey of 837 employers across a wide range of sectors.

Skill Gap Among Gig Workers

Despite this surging demand, a recent TeamLease EdTech survey highlights a persistent skill gap among gig workers. 42.86% of employers identified a lack of industry-specific knowledge as the primary deficiency, pointing to a need for specialised skills in specific sectors.

While gig workers are often technically adept, the absence of domain expertise can hinder their efficiency and effectiveness.

In addition to this, 28.57% of employers cited soft skills, including communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, as another critical gap. These skills are essential for gig workers, who frequently manage multiple clients and projects simultaneously​.

Bridging Gaps

To bridge these gaps, the report identifies the top ways for gig workers to upskill. According to the data, on-the-job training (76.19%) and online courses (73.81%) are the most effective methods. These options provide gig workers with practical experience and the flexibility to learn while they work​. By honing both industry-specific knowledge and soft skills, gig workers can significantly enhance their employability and efficiency in delivering quality results.

“The gig economy has fundamentally altered the employment landscape. It is reshaping how we work by introducing a level of flexibility that aligns with modern work preferences”, said Shantanu Rooj, Founder and CEO of TeamLease EdTech.

“However, 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.”

Jaideep Kewalramani, Head of Employability Business and COO, TeamLease Edtech, added, “On the ground, we often see that while gig workers are tech-savvy, they face challenges in managing client interactions and adapting to the dynamic needs of multiple projects. With the festive season ramping up, their ability to improve communication and problem-solving skills will play a crucial role. Success in the gig economy is a combination of many factors, including tech proficiency, communication skills, time management and adaptability.”