Dive Brief:
- Uber announced Thursday the launch of Uber Works, an app-based platform that aims to connect businesses looking to fill available shift openings with people looking for shift work. The ride-hailing company said it has partnered with staffing agencies, such as TrueBlue, which will "employ, pay and handle worker benefits." The service will begin in the Chicago area.
- Uber Works app users can access information about the shifts that interest them, including pay, location, skills needed and required attire. The app aims to serve as a "one-stop shop" for users to track time and log breaks, said Uber.
- The company added it will extend its educational partnership with Arizona State University to provide eligible workers on the platform with access to online classes and that it plans to work with Chicago organizations that can offer skills training.
Dive Insight:
More tech-based platforms are entering the gig hiring space, offering tools they say will make the connection between recruiters and applicants easier, while speeding up and streamlining the hiring process. The staffing aspect of the business has prompted some trouble for workforce tech companies; Shiftgig (also in Chicago) announced earlier this year that it would be selling off its staffing business markets and instead function entirely as a software company dedicated to helping companies that need large pools of flexible workers.
As people find working independently more acceptable, technology is making it possible for them to do so. According to a report from MBO Partners, confidence among independent workers has grown, with 41 million freelancers, contractors, consultants, temporary or on-call workers generating $1.28 trillion in revenues for the U.S. economy in 2018.
Companies that are moving into the hiring tech space are hoping to be the solution to a growing staffing need. A survey commissioned by North Highland found that of the companies polled, 20% of their workers were classified as independent or gig workers — and a majority agreed that their companies couldn't meet strategic goals without such workers.