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How Freelancer Jobs in India Changed The Workforce: FlexC
As companies adapted to a remote workforce, the demand for freelancers and freelancer jobs in India increased globally.

The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted work and job markets all over the world. The roaring job market came to a halt as businesses were disrupted and restrictions were increased. Organisations were forced to shift to remote work overnight, and several project deadlines were unexpectedly pushed as business leaders attempted to navigate the quagmire. However, pandemic-induced working models and shifting dynamics blurred the long-standing barriers to flexible working arrangements making many freelancer jobs in India. Organisations began to look to the global talent market teeming with freelancers and gig workers as work became unlinked from the office.

Freelancers and contractual workers brought new hope to countless struggling businesses. Many countries began to see an unexpected increase in demand for freelancers. After the Philippines, India saw the greatest increase in freelancers and gig workers. According to reports, India's freelance community will reach $20-30 billion by 2025. It is also estimated that the online freelance marketplace will contribute $2.7 trillion to global GDP by 2025.

Changes in the gig economy following the pandemic

The pandemic highlighted the frailty and vulnerability of gig workers and freelancers. The global financial crisis shook the freelancing industry. 90% of Indian gig workers lost their incomes, according to a 2020 survey. However, as business operations resumed following the lockdown and restrictions, the gig economy experienced a paradigm shift. As companies adapted to a remote workforce, the demand for freelancers and  freelancer jobs in India  increased globally. Around 40% of freelancers experienced higher rates following the pandemic. Given the volatile business environment, organisations prefer to hire gig workers and contractual employees who provide greater flexibility and domain expertise.

 

While several industries saw massive unemployment, the gig economy has thrived since the pandemic. From Q1 to Q2 of 2020, India saw a 46% increase in new freelancers, as many laid-off workers and employees turned to freelancing to supplement their income. The average hourly rate in India's freelance community increased by 42% from $21/hour in 2020 to $26/hour in 2022. In fact, a large number of millennials are learning new skills in order to participate in this rapidly growing economy.

The industry and market size of the freelancer jobs in India

The gig economy is expanding as a result of the pandemic, rapid digitization, and rising demand for flexibility. The total addressable global market for the freelance economy is $1.5 trillion. Over 77 million freelancers currently work from Europe, India, and the United States, with North America accounting for more than half of all freelancers worldwide. The global gig economy is experiencing a huge demand for tech freelancers as a result of rapid technological transformation, with the IT industry adding several new job roles. Countries with a lack of domestic job opportunities, such as India, the Philippines, Pakistan, and Ukraine, are seeing an increase in freelancers. Organisations are willing to hire skilled professionals from various parts of the world as they have drawn attention to remote working.

What can India offer the world economy as a market?

India's job market is brimming with skilled professionals and tech workers, which are in short supply in global markets. To meet the growing demand for skilled professionals such as software developers, UI and UX designers, digital marketers, and architects, many global organisations are turning to freelance talent. India is a hotbed for skilled professionals who can meet the world's expanding demands. Every year, India produces a large number of graduates in science and technology. Millennial and Gen-Z talent is highly creative and refuses to be bound by traditional 9-5 jobs and search for freelancer jobs in India.

Rise in freelancer platforms

As the demand for freelancers grows, several helpful and mission-driven platforms have emerged. Freelancers, businesses, and these platforms are collaborating to build a mutually beneficial ecosystem in which everyone's needs are met. Freelance platforms not only help freelancers find gigs and opportunities, but they also help them grow by providing online courses, consultation, and specialisations. These online platforms are rising to the occasion and closing the gap between freelancers and businesses. Several organisations seeking skilled professionals are utilising freelance platforms to find and attract qualified candidates. As a result, online freelance platforms are acting as connectors between freelancers and companies, and vice versa.

A dynamic solution for businesses and employees

The attitude toward freelancing has shifted dramatically in recent years. More and more businesses see freelancers as superior to full-time permanent employees. While startups have accepted freelancers since the pandemic, large and established organisations are increasingly turning to freelancers and gig workers to broaden their geographical footprint and increase their flexibility. The pandemic's lessons are empowering businesses to use freelance talent and farm out some of their workloads to freelancers. A 2019 study found that Google's workforce was made up of more freelancers as well as contractors than permanent employees.

About FlexC

FlexC was founded with the goal of bringing the best Indian talent to international markets. FlexC connects verified experts, passionate leaders, founders, but also executives in a fast-paced environment. Our platform's strength, as well as the amazing AI technology that distinguishes us, reflect our dedication to excellence. As one of the best recruitment agencies providing freelancer jobs in India, we want to be the best platform for selecting and recruiting hybrid workforces, as well as the best provider of freelancing and online jobs.