First look into gig work

In what’s basically a rite of passage for any sector of the economy looking to be taken seriously, Stats Canada is now officially tracking the hard data around gig work.  

Driving the news: For the first time, Stats Canada’s monthly labour survey has given us a glimpse into the workings of the gig economy, highlighting that men and newcomers typically turn to delivery and rideshare driving for gig work, while more women make content. 

  • Men represented 73% of food delivery and rideshare workers. Meanwhile, women represented 58% of people who created content—like videos or blogs—for money.

Why it matters: Recession-related job losses and cost-cutting may also lead traditional employers to hire contract or part-time labour instead of offering permanent positions. About 13% of Canadians report taking on some form of gig work, which typically becomes more popular during tough economic times as work options become fewer and farther between. 

Yes, but: According to economists, Canada’s (shockingly) strong labour market may stop the usual trend from playing out during the next downturn. Plus, very few large employers are actually utilizing the gig economy, Deloitte’s future of work lead partner told HR Reporter.