While workers in the USA favor remote or hybrid working due to the flexibility this provides in balancing work and personal lives, at the same time they seek stability, something gig jobs often fail to provide, new research from the Economic Policy Institute argues. The solution, according to the authors, is to introduce more robust legal protection for workers that will ensure flexibility without compromising stability.
The rise of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic gave millions of workers a taste of flexibility they had never before known. Being able to work from anywhere, to their own schedule, became the new normal, and it quickly proved beneficial for both employees and employers. After the pandemic, however, the trend toward remote work started to decline, with hybrid working gaining ground. A 2024 survey has revealed that 53% of US workers are now engaged in hybrid work, splitting their time between the office and home.
See also: Is working from home the new normal in the long term?
The pandemic highlighted just how highly workers value flexibility in their jobs. Seeking this freedom, many people have turned to the gig economy which promises control over when, where and how much to work. The gig economy is comprised of individuals who undertake freelance jobs or side gigs. It uses apps and websites to connect workers with customers who need services quickly or want to share assets. Common examples include ride-sharing apps, food delivery services and vacation rental platforms. While on the surface this appears to be the perfect solution for those craving flexibility, looking deeper into this, the situation is different.
Many workers are tempted to take gig jobs because they believe this will offer the control and flexibility they want. Gig companies often paint a picture of freedom, but the reality for most workers is far from that. Research by the Economic Policy Institute states that these companies retain significant control over work schedules and conditions while still classifying their workers as independent contractors which leaves them without essential protection such as healthcare, paid leave, and the right to unionize.
See also: The gig economy: challenges and advantages for employers and employees
Surveys reveal that despite the initial attraction of flexible hours, a large proportion of gig workers now want to leave these jobs behind. Many express dissatisfaction about the lack of stability and benefits and intend to transition to more traditional, full-time roles. In fact, research shows that most workers – 79% of the participants in the survey – and regardless of industry prefer stable, full-time employment with reliable benefits.
In other words, while many workers want flexibility, they also desire stability. Unpredictable schedules, especially in retail and food service, can make it difficult to manage personal responsibilities like childcare or medical appointments. The report found that workers in these industries are often given little notice for shifts, and last-minute changes to their schedules are common, adding to the stress.
In contrast, unionized workers tend to have more control over their hours and schedules. Through collective bargaining, unions negotiate flexible, part-time schedules in industries like grocery stores and hospitality, ensuring that workers receive employment benefits. Unionized workers also enjoy more predictable hours and greater job security.
The report by the Economic Policy Institute suggests enforcing stricter laws to protect workers in the USA and ensuring that flexibility does not come at the cost of stability.
