The gig economy provides a pathway to jobs with a high level of flexibility and social interaction. Many older workers have found this option appealing, either as a temporary transition or as a long-term option. More than half of the drivers for Uber and Lyft, for example, are over age 50. But COVID-19 has impacted both the demand for and the risks associated with gig economy jobs. It has had a particularly negative impact on older workers in these positions.
Malcom Glenn, Senior Fellow at our innovation lab, CWI Labs, examines the impact of COVID-19 on the gig economy, with a focus on older workers and underserved communities. And he asks the question, “What do we need to do to make the gig economy work for the must vulnerable among us?”
This piece is the first in a series that will be written by Malcom Glenn on reimaging the gig economy to address the needs of older workers and underserved communities post-COVID.
In order to keep older workers safe, the companies providing flexible work have to treat this recession differently than the last one.
Malcom Glenn