Gig-a growth

The uncertainty of 2020 gave new meaning to platform-enabled work for the labor market, providing income security and scheduling flexibility to a growing field of gig workers tossed about by economic volatility of the COVID-19 pandemic and a redefined workplace culture.

In an online survey conducted last November by daVinci Payments, nearly 35 percent of respondents identified as gig workers — defined as temporary or part-time work contracted by independent workers for short-term engagements. Of those people, 59 percent said they work, most often using mobile apps, to supplement their incomes while 42 percent said they enjoy the more flexible work schedule and 20 percent said they have a better work-life balance.