Outlining HR policies in the age of gig economy: identifying the key HR policies that are mutually beneficial for freelancers as well as start-ups and small organizations

Abstract

Freelance culture in India is on a growing trend1. Therefore, there is need to develop understanding about the ways in which HR policies need to be framed to stay relevant in the advancing age of gig economy. We aim to understand the gap that exists in HR policies of the small-scale organizations and start-ups, which have hired or are hiring freelancers. In order to do that, we interview freelancers and employers to understand their perspectives on the issue. We collect data about their functions & roles and the kind of HR policies that prevail currently. From there, we move on to understanding their expectations by conducting content analysis and qualitative analysis on the data. Finally, we recommend the major factors to be considered while framing the HR policies, which majorly revolve around hiring process, compensation, formal contract terms, non-monetary incentives, and additional support needed by the freelancers.