Even in a sluggish economy, startups helped spawn the gig economy that created jobs and new ways of working and sharing. However, the gig economy is seeing challenges because of the Covid-19 scare — especially as delivery personnel are highly exposed to the environment.
In a “response note”, online grocer BigBasket said warehouse employees handling fruits and vegetables use disposable masks and gloves. Workers are being scanned for any symptoms and offices have been equipped with sanitisers and delivery staff with disposable gloves that are changed after every delivery.
Coworking spaces face a more daunting task as it has to monitor gig workers from multiple companies. Smartworks has made masks and sanitisers available at its centres and is scanning people coming to its sites with infrared thermometer. Neetish Sarda, founder, says, “We believe that collective responsibility will make a great deal of difference in handling the situation.” It is encouraging virtual meetings as well as collaboration tools.
Bengaluru-based Hiver, which offers an email collaboration platform, has seen an increase in interest for its services, says cofounder & CEO Niraj Ranjan Rout.
Restaurant aggregator and food delivery company Zomato is using apps and SMS services to broadcast WHO best practices on Covid-19 as well as information about testing labs’ locations to its partners. A spokesperson says, “Our efforts are aimed at ensuring everyone is aware, calm and focussed on their well-being.” Swiggy has made its employees aware of self-quarantine practices in case they show any symptoms. It is training employees on “proper method and frequency of washing hands”.
The gig economy has not seen any layoffs yet, says Rituparna Chakraborty, executive vice-president of TeamLease Services, which provides 2.30 lakh workers for client organisations. “Q4 is usually a damp period for hiring. So far no one has lowered manpower projections for the next fiscal year. We do see higher demand for app-based companies as more people stay at home and order more.”
However, if the virus persists, it could affect the sharing economy and the jobs of gig workers.
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