The gig economy, characterised by temporary and part-time roles filled by independent contractors and freelancers rather than traditional full-time employees, has become a prominent fixture in the UK labour market. Its influence spans various sectors, including legal services, retail and education. Surprisingly, recent findings from a CIPD report reveal that the gig economy consists of less than half a million workers in the UK, with only a fifth of them relying on it as their primary source of income.
Despite the relatively smaller size of this workforce, as living expenses continue to rise, gig workers find themselves facing growing financial challenges. A recent study conducted by the University of Bristol revealed a startling fact: a whopping 52% of gig economy workers in the UK earn less than the minimum wage, despite their contributions to various industries
In this shifting terrain, gig workers find themselves grappling with tools that no longer adequately serve their evolving needs. Traditional tools, like spreadsheets and manual task management systems, fall short in helping them efficiently manage their gigs, schedules, and finances. To thrive in this demanding landscape, gig workers must leverage the capabilities of cloud-based technology, seamlessly incorporating it into their arsenal to enhance productivity and overall effectiveness.
But what does the future hold in the realm of cloud technology, and how can it significantly enhance the efficiency and success of gig economy workers?
Charting a Course in the Gig Economy
The gig economy offers flexibility and independence, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Gig and self-employed workers often face instability in income, limited access to traditional employee benefits, and the responsibility of managing their business independently.
Financial management is one of the biggest challenges for gig workers. With irregular income streams, tracking earnings, expenses and taxes can be daunting. However, cloud-based accounting software has become a lifeline for gig workers. These tools allow them to automate financial tasks, easily generate invoices, and keep tabs on their financial health. This not only saves time but also ensures accurate financial records.
Cloud-based communication systems are a game-changer for the gig economy, providing seamless connectivity and collaboration tools that empower freelancers and remote workers. These platforms enable instant communication, file sharing, and project management from anywhere, fostering productivity and flexibility in the gig workforce.
With the ability to stay connected, gig workers can serve clients and collaborate with teams across the globe, irrespective of their physical location, enhancing their overall efficiency and marketability.
Cloud-Based ‘Must-Haves’ for Gig Workers
As freelancers venture into the gig economy, they often find themselves juggling multiple roles, from CEO to marketing manager to accountant. To succeed, they need a reliable toolkit of cloud-based essentials:
Cloud-Based Productivity Suites – Platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace offer a suite of essential tools, including email, document editing, and cloud storage. Gig workers can manage their professional communication, collaborate on documents, and store important files securely in the cloud.
Website Builders – Establishing an online presence is crucial for gig workers. Website builders like WordPress and Wix provide user-friendly templates and hosting solutions, enabling them to create and maintain professional websites without technical expertise.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems – CRM systems like HubSpot or Salesforce help gig workers manage client relationships, track leads, and automate marketing efforts. These cloud-based tools enable gig workers to provide personalised services and nurture customer loyalty.
Cloud-Based Phone Systems – A cloud-based phone system offers gig workers the advantage of maintaining a professional communication setup without requiring dedicated hardware or complicated installations. For gig workers frequently on the move, establishing a local or national presence becomes crucial. Systems like CircleLoop allow individuals to easily select a landline number and manage it through their mobile device, ensuring seamless connectivity.
Advantages of a Dependable and Professional Technology Stack
Freelancers, by nature, thrive on their ability to provide specialised skills and services. A reliable and professional tech stack enhances their competitive edge and offers several benefits:
Credibility – A professional online presence, complete with a polished website and branded email addresses, lends credibility to freelancers. Clients are more likely to trust and hire freelancers who appear established and trustworthy.
Efficiency – Freelancers can streamline their workflows and meet deadlines more effectively with cloud-based project management tools. These tools help freelancers prioritise tasks, track project progress, and communicate with clients efficiently.
Scalability – Cloud-based solutions, including communication systems, can easily scale to accommodate freelancers’ growing client bases. Whether it’s expanding storage space, adding team members, or automating processes, freelancers can adapt their tech stack to match their business growth.
Mobility – Freelancers often enjoy the freedom to work from anywhere. Cloud-based communication systems enable them to access their work tools and data from any device with an internet connection, facilitating a truly mobile work lifestyle.
Shaping the Gig Economy’s Tomorrow
The gig economy is evolving rapidly, with phone systems emerging as a hidden gem for freelancers. These tools, often underestimated, bolster professionalism and appeal to potential clients.
Integrating phone systems provides gig workers with a valuable edge, conveying reliability and professionalism. This often-overlooked aspect is crucial for success in the gig economy.
In addition to phone systems, embracing cloud-based technology offers gig workers numerous advantages. They can scale swiftly, expand their client base, and enjoy the freedom of working from anywhere. Moreover, cloud technology streamlines their work, automating tasks and boosting efficiency. This efficiency allows gig workers to take on more projects and increase their income.
As cloud-based technology continues its evolution, it is poised to assume an even more central role in shaping the future of work for these dynamic and resilient individuals.
Damian Hanson is the Co-Founder and Director of CircleLoop, a cloud-based business phone system making waves in the telecoms sector by offering SMEs a more modern, flexible approach to telephony. CircleLoop is now servicing roughly 4,000 SME customers within the UK and has positioned itself as a ‘Digital-led Challenger’ telco.