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Podcast: Is the Gig Economy More Myth Than Reality?

The gig economy has been described as a "game changer" for the relationship between companies and their workers. But a recent Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report actually shows a slight decline in the number of US workers employed in alternative work arrangements between 2005 and 2017. So is all of the gig economy talk more hype than reality?

This podcast takes an in-depth look with Fisher Phillips employment attorney Rich Meneghello, who co-chairs his firm's Gig Economy Practice Group. "If you're an HR professional, this report is not good news," says Meneghello. However, he notes that the report failed to include certain categories of workers, including online workers and those with full-time jobs who perform gig work on the side to supplement their income.

Meneghello expresses disappointment with the results of the BLS survey, and said it could have a negative impact on the gig economy as a whole if people take the findings to heart. He claims that some other reports have suggested that up to 30-33% of the workforce is captured by the gig economy as opposed to the roughly 10% captured in the latest BLS report.

"They're missing the boat and a huge segment of the workplace is not being counted," said Meneghello. But he acknowledges that the report has attracted attention and could lead to future litigation.

Additional Resources

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Transcript