In 2020, 79 per cent of the flexi workforce comprised men, while in 2021 the figure came down to 73 per cent. It remained unchanged in 2022, but rose to 75 per cent in 2023 and to 77 per cent in 2024. Women, on the other hand, formed 21 per cent of the flexi workforce in 2020, 27 per cent in 2021 and 2022, 25 per cent in 2023 and 23 per cent in 2024.
Why is there such a disparity? As per the Flexi Employment Social Impact Report 2024, brought out by the Indian Staffing Federation, 77 per cent of flexi jobs are field jobs, so more preferred by men.
The report also reveals that 78 per cent of the flexi workforce is satisfied with their employment situation, with 60 per cent admitting they would prefer to continue as flexi employees with formal staffing companies.
This is not surprising because 23 per cent of flexi workers get absorbed as permanent employees thanks to the experience they acquire. Flexi work serves as a facilitator in bagging permanent jobs. Over 46 per cent of the flexi workforce has been trained or upskilled while they were employed with a formal staffing company.
This data is based on responses from more than 115 staffing members across India gathered over 30 days every quarter.
There appears to be a positive high demand in long-term contracts with 78 per cent flexi workers employed at projects lasting over six months. Clearly the confidence in flexi workers and their ability to take on long-term projects has grown. Over 75 per cent of flexi projects from the staffing industry are single-engagement projects that last over three months. Micro engagement term projects lasting one to three months are on the rise due to some sectors being volatile.
In the 2020 to 2024 time period, there has been a significant jump of over 83 per cent in the number of flexi workers in the 24+ age group. Interesting, 35 per cent of these are freshers or new entrants in the flexi job market.
It is quite clear that people are aware of formal employment and impact creation through the staffing industry.
Thanks to formal staffing companies, the youth of the country (freshers), women, and low-skilled workers are getting opportunities to bag secure jobs and gain valuable skills that result in long-term career growth.