Survey Reveals 88% of Gig Workers Depend on Gig Economy as Primary Income Source

• ByStartupStory     |    March 22, 2024

A recent survey conducted by Ipsos Research Private Limited sheds light on the growing significance of gig workers in India, revealing that a staggering 88% of gig workers rely on gig economy platforms as their primary source of income. The survey, which polled 3,668 gig workers across major metro cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Hyderabad, delved into the motivations behind choosing gig work and the experiences of those involved in platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, Uber, Ola, and more.

According to the findings, over two-thirds of gig workers affirm that the income generated from platform-based work is sufficient to sustain their livelihoods. Among those surveyed, approximately 43% reported consistent earnings after transitioning to gig work, while a significant portion, nearly 65%, indicated they had entered the gig economy within the last three years.

“The gig economy offers upward mobility for a significant portion of surveyed gig workers, with one-third of them saying gig work provided them the opportunity to move from their hometown to a bigger city,” the report states.

Interestingly, the survey reveals a high level of satisfaction among gig workers, with 84% expressing contentment with their work experience. Key motivators cited by respondents include earning potential (29%), flexible hours (27%), and the desire for independence (24%).

In the words of one of the surveyed gig workers, “Flexibility is a key aspect that I like about my work. I also like the fact that I can be my own boss and achieve a better work-life balance.”

The study also highlights that 89% of gig workers feel gig work offers them flexibility concerning when and where to work. Furthermore, the ability to recommend gig work to others seeking employment opportunities is strong, with 77% of gig workers endorsing the gig economy.

However, challenges persist within the gig economy, with 29% of gig workers expressing concern over the absence of social security benefits such as insurance and Provident Fund (PF). Despite this, only 30% of respondents prefer traditional full-time employment in the absence of gig work, while a mere 8% would consider returning to their hometowns to seek alternative employment.

The survey underscores the evolving landscape of work in India, with gig work emerging as a significant contributor to livelihoods and offering unique opportunities for employment and mobility.

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