Empowering Gig Workers with Smarter Workforce Policies

Millions of people around the world turn to gig work to manage the complexities of their lives, often finding it an essential part of their day-to-day reality. Whether it’s parents caring for young children, individuals supporting aging family members, or people managing their own health challenges, gig work provides a level of flexibility that traditional employment often can’t match. Yet this flexibility comes at a cost. Many gig workers face unpredictable pay, few benefits, and limited job security, leaving them vulnerable in an economy increasingly reliant on nonstandard employment.

Despite the scale of the gig economy, workforce policies have struggled to catch up. Traditional strategies focus on permanent, full-time jobs, often overlooking gig workers altogether. Meanwhile, platforms like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash dominate the space, offering convenience but often retaining a significant share of workers’ earnings. This creates a cycle of survival rather than opportunity, particularly for marginalized communities who rely on gig work to make ends meet.

The good news? It doesn’t have to stay this way. By rethinking workforce policies, local boards and policymakers can transform gig work into something better—not just a stopgap but a steppingstone to growth and stability.

Some communities are already taking the lead. In Long Beach, California, a workforce board launched a regional gig platform to provide local alternatives to commercial apps. In just one year, the program generated $12.4 million in wages for 928 workers, offering W-2 employment with benefits. With average pay at $27.74 per hour, the platform demonstrated that flexibility and fairness can go hand in hand.

But the true success of the Long Beach initiative lies in its innovations. Workers could showcase their unique skills and reliability through digital badging, a feature that allowed employers to connect with individuals perfectly suited to their needs. For example, a worker with food-handling credentials and a badge for reliability might find opportunities on ferries or catering events—positions that previously might have been out of reach. Employers benefited from access to a more reliable workforce, while workers gained opportunities that aligned with their strengths and preferences.

While the program faced challenges, such as slow onboarding and limited early participation from public agencies, it underscored the power of collaboration. Public agencies offered the stability and oversight needed for long-term success, while private businesses provided the demand to keep the platform running. Together, they created a system that showed gig work could evolve into something more meaningful.

Key lessons from these efforts highlight several ways workforce policies can support gig workers:

• Create Regional Alternatives - Local gig platforms can provide fairer pay, better working conditions, and opportunities tailored to community needs, offering a viable alternative to commercial gig apps.

• Incorporate Digital Badging - Workers can use badges to showcase their certifications, skills, and unique attributes, connecting with jobs that value more than just technical qualifications.

• Expand Workforce Agency Support - Workforce agencies can integrate gig work into their programs, offering training, recruitment, and resources designed for nonstandard employment. Policies that support these efforts are key to success.

• Engage Public and Private Sectors - Partnerships between public agencies and private businesses ensure the right balance of stability, oversight, and demand to sustain gig work initiatives.

• Leverage AI for Equity - Thoughtful AI tools can connect gig workers with opportunities aligned to their strengths and help create pathways for growth within local economies.

These strategies show what’s possible when workforce policies embrace gig work as a legitimate and valuable part of the labor market. Instead of sidelining gig workers, policymakers and workforce boards can integrate their needs into broader strategies, creating systems that support fair pay, benefits, and professional growth.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. As the workforce continues to evolve, gig work will remain a critical part of the economy. Supporting gig workers isn’t just about fairness—it’s about preparing for a future that values flexibility, equity, and opportunity. With the right policies in place, the gig economy can become a model for sustainable and inclusive employment, empowering millions to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Smarter policies for gig workers