Working Without Borders - The Promise and Peril of Online Gig Work : Short Note Series Number Seven - Designing Online Gig Work Programs : Tips for Operational Teams (English)

This Short Note aims to provide some practical tips for practitioners like World Bank task team leaders in implementing online gig work programs to enable vulnerable populations - such as youth, women, persons with disabilities - to access online gig jobs to support their social and economic inclusion. Governments can use the potential of online gig work to build human capital, develop the nation's digital skills, and provide opportunities to supplement household income. Several governments are beginning to use online work to provide income-earning opportunities for low-income populations, youth, women, and people in areas where the availability of good quality jobs is limited. Digital public works, also a potential social protection instrument, offers promising opportunities for short-term income generation to low-income populations while also building digital skills and boosting demand for online gig workers. However, promoting access to digital infrastructure is key. Digital devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets can open new doors to work. Policy makers also need to find innovative ways to partner with platforms and other private sector players to provide support and training for vulnerable populations. However, programs would need to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place and that beneficiaries are aware of the short-term and volatile nature of such jobs.