A gig refers to a single project or task that an individual completes for pay, and individuals who complete gigs are often referred to as gig workers.
Examples of gigs range from driving for Uber and Lyft to performing assignments for TaskRabbit and Postmates. Estimates suggest that more than 23 million Americans work in the gig economy, and a 2017 MetLife survey indicated that 51% of workers expressed interest in gig work instead of a full-time, salaried position at a single organization. Because many gig workers earn most of their income through part-time employment or independent contracts, they typically do not have access to the employersponsored benefits that full-time employees have. As such, a common complaint among gig workers is the lack of certain voluntary benefits—
something that an organization called Care.com has sought to change.
Founded in 2007, Care.com is the world’s largest online marketplace aimed at connecting families with caregivers, babysitters, and nannies. The company’s overarching objective is “to improve the lives of families and caregivers by helping them connect in a reliable and easy way.” Care.com’s online marketplace connects millions of families with gig workers who provide care services. Amid calls for added protections and benefits for gig workers, in 2016, Care.com unveiled an initiative to contribute up to $500 per year to each care provider for health care, educational, and transportation expenses—a benefit that is relatively unheard of among gig workers.

Case Discussion Questions 

1. Have you (or someone you have known) ever performed gig work? If so, what was your experience (or the experience of the person you have known), and did you receive any nonmonetary benefits?
2. In addition to financial support toward health care, educational, and transportation expenses, what other benefits might gig workers value?
3. Should federal, state, or local governments pass legislation that requires organizations to offer voluntary benefits to their gig workers?
Why or why not?