Currently, we have around 15 million freelancers who offer their services around the globe. With more people entering the workforce, it’s evident that the “gig” economy will grow, providing more opportunities than ever. Among the 15 million freelancers, the majority of them have been working in these growing industries:

• Technology, Cybersecurity, Software Development
• Digital Marketing
• Accounting, Bookkeeping
• Customer Service
• HR and Recruitment

Among all these industries, the pandemic accelerated the growth of one, i.e., Technology and IT. While other businesses had to adjust to the new ways, the IT industry was the driving force behind this change. This factor increased the demand for software development professionals worldwide, including freelancers. Therefore, if you’re in the IT field, you need to take charge of your career and take a dive into the gig economy. And in the IT gig sector, there is an upsurge in the demand, especially for Java developers. 

Having said that, this is the right time for you to find freelance java developer jobs and earn extra income. As the Indian gig economy is still in the growing stage, the sooner you jump in, the better it would be to maximize your profits during the growth spurt. 

Advantages Of Freelance Jobs Over Traditional Jobs

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that there would always be uncertainty in our work lives. Whether it is job security or the way we work, there would always be change and the constant need to upgrade ourselves. However, with freelancing, you can take that uncertainty and play it to your career’s advantage. From deciding your work schedule to income, here’s why freelance java developer jobs are better than traditional jobs:

• Earning potential: You would only have one income source in a traditional 9 to 5 job. However, you get to decide your sources when working as a freelancer. You can either have ten clients or a single big-ticket to depending on your financial needs. Either way, earning potential would always be better than taking up a single job.
• Much better work-life balance: Almost every working professional has experienced that late night, after working hours call from their managers. However much you hate it, you need to take that call if there’s an emergency. However, even if you take up ten freelance java developer jobs, you get to decide when you want to work. It sets a much better work-life balance for professionals.
• Self-management: Freelancing is similar to running your startup. You need to manage clients, handle deadlines, market services, and keep an eye on finances. That being said, you can learn all this at your own pace. You would be your boss, and there wouldn’t be anyone else micromanaging you.
• Location flexibility: You can take up clients sitting in another corner of the world while working from the mountains. Freelancing offers incomparable flexibility as everything is handled remotely. It is usually not possible when you take up a traditional job.
• Networking and improved skills: Freelancing forces you to work on your communication skills and networking. These skills are crucial for any professional. Furthermore, your freelancing journey would engage you in several different projects. It requires regular upskilling and improving your knowledge, which would ultimately serve your career.

All these benefits are just a decision away if you decide to become a freelancer or a gig worker. Taking up gigs or freelance java developer jobs can prove to be a significant milestone in their careers as IT professionals. Let’s look over why JAVA should be your learning priority if you want to work as a freelancer in the IT industry.

Demand For Freelance Java Developers Jobs

Java programming language has now been around for more than 25 years. In all these years, the demand for JAVA developers has only multiplied. It’s an object-oriented programming language with applications in several industries, from E-commerce to IoT. With around 8 million Java developers, the demand for freelancers with core Java skills is bound to increase.

• The TIOBE and PYPL rankings list Java as the second-most popular programming language.
• In Glassdoor Best Jobs in America 2021 survey, Java developer has the first spot. It also has a 4.2 rating out of 5 in job satisfaction.
• Furthermore, Java is bound to stay in demand as the products of major global companies use this programming language for their backend functions. To mention a few – Uber, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Myntra, Infosys, Wipro, TCS, Accenture, etc.

These ratings and wide use of Java indicate a bright future if you learn this language. If you opt for freelance Java developer jobs, you can target these big-ticket companies or the thousands of tech startups budding in the Indian startup ecosystem. Furthermore, Java is fun to learn, creates reusable code, and is platform-independent. It will serve and accelerate your IT career and help land excellent opportunities.

Why Become a Freelance Java Developer?

Java has received consistent top rankings from different platforms in the past years. Here’s why getting freelance Java developer jobs would serve your career better than other programming languages:

1. Java development allows collaboration: Whenever you take up freelance Java developer jobs or projects, you get to work with different kinds of software professionals like web designers, UI developers, etc. Constant collaboration and communication immensely improve your teamwork and soft skills. They are crucial for any working professional, especially for a freelancer scouting for new projects.
2. Real-world applications: Java is used by big companies like Facebook to small new startups just looking to design their websites, apps, and so on. Furthermore, it has applications in varying industries like healthcare, financial services, IT, etc. You would be working on real-world projects that could help make virtual experiences better for ordinary people, impacting different industries.
3. It’s not just coding: Taking up freelance java developer jobs doesn’t mean that you’ll be spending all your time coding. Due to the diverse applications, you could be designing interfaces or testing dynamic applications, depending on your project.
4. Different roles: Freelance java developer jobs offer an array of different roles. You could work in the core coding team and work in the backend operations. You could just become a consultant and help companies with their Java projects. It depends on your experience level and skills that could entail different roles while taking up freelance java developer jobs.

Being a freelance Java developer would introduce a certain versatility and fun into your software developer career. One minute you could be solving issues in a company’s code and working on designing someone’s application in the other. Either way, it would help you try out an array of different projects and try out your skills everywhere. You could just become a consultant or an architect if you like the planning part of the job. Or, you can master a particular Java skill and develop your career in that specific direction. Freelancing gives you the freedom to try out all these different things and choose the one that best fits your career.

Earning potential: Freelance Java developer Jobs vs. Full-time Jobs

The earning potential is often a make-or-break factor whenever considering a career opportunity. If a person is compensated correctly, it’ll automatically increase their satisfaction and consequently their performance. However, the Indian market often has underpaying options, and people have to take them up because of a lack of adequately paying jobs. This fact is no surprise as job seekers are much more than providers. The opportunities and earning potential of Java Developers also face the same circumstances. However, with freelancing, your earning potential would be much more due to the following reasons:

• You can choose your projects yourself based on what YOU want to earn. The decision comes from you rather than your employer, as you can quote your charges rather than an employer displaying their fixed salary for a traditional job.
• Your skillsets are a significant factor in determining your earnings. If you keep upskilling and improving your Java skills, you’ll easily find high-paying freelance java developer jobs.
• You can simply increase your clients and projects to earn more. Your income would be in your hands as you shift to freelance java developer jobs.
• Freelancers often get paid on the number of hours put in or the project as a whole. These rates are much more than what a full-time person would get paid even if they work the same number of hours.
• Freelance Java Developer jobs often require specialization and expertise in specific skills. As freelancers have a high level of knowledge in that area, they can easily charge more money than an average employee.
• As a freelancer, you can look for freelance java developer jobs worldwide. You can take on projects and get paid in international currency and freelancing rates. This advantage opens up an opportunity for earning potential that isn’t available to full-time employees.

It’s quite evident that you can earn much more in freelance java developer jobs than in a traditional job. Even if you land a high-paying full-time job, there’s no way that it could offer versatility and opportunities compared to freelancing. Therefore, it is an excellent combination of dynamic opportunities, more earnings, self-development, and exciting projects. Now that we know about the better-earning potential let’s look at some numbers.

Earning Estimation For Freelance Java Developer Jobs

• According to Payscale numbers, the average hourly rate for a Java Developer in India is around Rs. 500. If we compare it with the average hourly shift of 9 hours, five days a week, it gets to more than Rs. 10,00,000 a year. When compared to an average full-time Java developer, their yearly salary is around Rs. 4,69,000 in India.
• Therefore, if you take up freelance Java developer jobs, you could be earning more than double of a full-time employee.
• If we compare the Java developer rates on freelancing sites, they are Rs. 2,000 per hour for beginners, Rs. 3,500 for intermediate, and Rs. 11,000 for experts. The global earning potential is much more in freelance java developer jobs. As freelancers don’t have any geographic boundaries, they can easily take on high-paying international clients.
• Therefore, a beginner looking to take on freelance java developer jobs could easily earn double that of an average full-time employee. If they take on international clients, they could charge around Rs. 2,000 per hour and earn significantly more than the Indian standards.

Working As a Full-time Developer? Still Earn Extra Income!

You don’t have to leave your current job and only pursue freelance Java developer jobs. You could still take up gigs and make the best use of your time. It will increase your income and provide the best of both worlds, i.e., stability and better earnings. Here’s how you can achieve that:

• You might have to devote your entire day to your job. However, you still have your weekends, paid leaves, holidays, and other free time. This time is your opportunity to increase your income by taking freelance jobs as a Java developer.
• You can get on a freelancing platform like Workflexi and register yourself as a gig worker. Browse the projects, communicate about the client’s needs and start working.
• If we talk numbers, you could earn anything from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 10,000 per hour. So, if you plan on working even for ten hours on the weekend, you could earn around an extra 7-8 lacs per year. That’s the minimum Rs. 2000 charge considering you’re a beginner with limited skills.
• As you upskill and learn more, you could earn more than what you get as a full-time salary from your job just by working on the weekends. 
• If you only consider Indian clients, you could be earning an extra Rs. 48,000 per year, considering you only work for 10 hours on the weekend.

Therefore, if you need extra cash, you should start looking for freelance Java developer jobs now, along with your full-time role.

How to find Freelance Java Developer jobs?

Now that you are aware of all the benefits freelancing/gig working has to offer, it’s time actually to find those opportunities. There are several clients out there willing to hire for freelance java developer jobs. You need a platform to find them and market your skills in the best possible way. Workflexi is one such freelancing platform that can help you easily land great clients. 

Workflexi is an easy-to-use platform that can help you find exciting new freelance Java Developer jobs. All you’ve to do is log into the platform and list your skills to connect to potential clients.

You can browse through different clients and projects and quote your charges. It’s an excellent method to save time rather than scouting different platforms. You could get the best ones right there.

Workflexi outranks its competitive websites in several aspects. Several platforms won’t even display your profiles to hirers until you land the top freelancer lists. It won’t help you get the best, high-paying ones until you spend years building ratings over there.

Furthermore, you can browse clients and their needs yourself. If you apply for the role, they could go over your profile and communicate with you. Other platforms might not even display your profiles if you don’t meet certain criteria or rankings.

You should sign up for Workflexi and look for freelance Java Developer jobs. Mention your skills, develop a portfolio, communicate and negotiate to land your dream projects.

Things To Avoid While Searching For Freelance Java Developer Jobs

Being a successful freelancer comes with its share of problems. From instability to job search, you have to manage everything to earn your worth. Several clients out there would be willing to pay for your skills, but some would underpay you. The key is to optimize your search for freelance Java developer jobs to find the best ones. 

Here are some things you need to avoid:

• A common mistake is not mentioning your niche skills. You could earn much more if you take up jobs under your expertise. While searching for freelance Java Developer jobs, you need to optimize your profile and put your best skills forward.
• You need to price different services according to work. For example, the cost for a Java project consultation should be different for core coding work. You have to decide your rates to search more efficiently and communicate for freelance java developer jobs.
• Another mistake is not researching more about the potential client before taking up the job. If someone has approached you for work, you need to know more about the individual or the company before starting.
• You should avoid signing up clients that don’t offer any legal documents or proof of employment. 
• Avoid applying for any freelance java developer jobs that don’t fall in your skillset. Ensure that you have the necessary knowledge and expertise before applying.
• You need to avoid being too casual with your job search. Freelancing isn’t the best bet in terms of stability. So, unless you already have some long-term projects or retainer clients, keep the search going.
• You need to have something to present your skills while searching for your clients. A portfolio, past reviews, or some live projects would be great options.

These are some common mistakes that could hinder your search for freelance Java developer jobs. Ensure that you have a ready portfolio, a great profile, relevant experience, and negotiation skills before starting your search.

Conclusion

Freelancing is much like a startup journey where you handle everything from sales, finances, marketing, and customer service. It builds your core skills and forces you to develop soft skills that are necessary for today’s market. You’ve to put your best foot forward and find the best clients for freelance Java developer jobs. 

Workflexi is a gig-tech marketplace that makes your journey easier by finding and verifying the clients for you. So, if you’re lagging in your searching skills and need some freelance Java developer jobs, Workflexi should be your best friend. 

You just have to create a profile, decide your rates, define your services, and start your journey. So, if you’re thinking of turning into a freelancer or just want to earn some extra cash with your job, start looking for freelance Java developer jobs now!

The job market is constantly changing and evolving. People are prioritizing their financial stability and independence over everything. The previous culture of hustling and putting in more and more hours every day isn’t here, and for good too.

It is a changing economy, and every person needs to capitalize on these opportunities and excel in their professional field. It doesn’t matter even if you have a full-time job. It doesn’t hurt to get those gigs/part-time jobs and explore your skills at the same time.

It is fairly difficult to find a full-time job these days. The market has many people eying for a particular job role. Even if you do find one, you can never be ensured of your future in a specific company. This is where gigs/part-time jobs alongside your full-time job come into play.

There are ample gigs/part-time jobs available all over the internet, just waiting for the right person. Companies are recognizing the flexibility of hiring gig workers and also the convenience. Also, you don’t need to have any degree to find those gigs like full-time roles. What is needed is just skills and time dedication. It is all that is necessary to monetize your skills and earn money right at your home.

What Are Gigs?

Gigs are nothing but contracts for a specific, short-term job. It can be anything from wiring an article to designing a website for someone. There are thousands of gigs available online, and you can find them on any of the platforms. It doesn’t denote a long-term relationship with the company, and neither would you be designated as an employee. This leaves room for finding and exploring new gigs every day.

In full-time roles, exploring new opportunities is often not an option. This restricts your income sources and ability to explore new fields. However, with gigs, you can work with anyone you like. It may be a company in a foreign country or just your local startup. A reputed platform is all that you need to get a good gig and start with your work.

Workflexi.in is one such online platform that connects gig workers with potential clients. It is an easy-to-use platform. You just log in, fill in your profile, and find the gigs/part-time jobs alongside your full-time job. Apart from that, the several categories offer an exposure to opt for different kinds of work. You can quickly sort out the gigs and find the one that fits your niche.

Benefits Of Taking Up Gigs/part-time jobs Alongside Your Full-time Job

If you are currently in a full-time role, you may be thinking that you don’t need to do gigs/part-time jobs alongside your full-time job. However, you are truly missing out on the benefits you can avail yourself of. There are thousands of part-time jobs you can apply to and explore. The gig economy is constantly growing, and it is better to get a taste of it sooner rather than later. You may never know that it might be a better way of livelihood for you without trying.

Let’s look over the benefits:

1.     Earning Extra Income

In today’s unstable economy, it is always better to earn a passive income. Your payment would be in your hands, and you may increase it at any time. Also, a passive income can help you fund all those exciting adventures or expenses that you are saving up for. Be it a long vacation or a new car; you can just use that money anywhere and fulfill those dreams.

Also, if you’re currently not happy with your income and don’t feel financial stability, it will help you get right on track. You can save that cash or invest it for your future. Either way, it would be an excellent method to fund your dreams while doing something that you love.

2.     Avoiding Uncertainty of Jobs

There might always be the next person in the job market who can do the job at a lesser salary. This situation presents uncertainty for every person. You can never be sure that you’re a true asset to the company and that you’re irreplaceable.

However, with gigs/part-time jobs alongside your full-time job, you are not in for a long term with a company. They also just need your work on a specific project, and also you are already paid for it. It leaves no room for uncertainty as you don’t need the company to retain you for a long time. There would always be a next client who is looking for a freelancer.

It leaves the power in your hands as you can always move on to another client or keep multiple ones at once. So, if you wish to skip the uncertainty of your income, take up gigs/part-time jobs alongside your full-time job.

3.     Professional Development

There can be no better way to strengthen your communication skills than dealing with your gig work clients. If you’re working on a full-time back-end job, there isn’t much scope to improve your communication and confidence.

This is why you have to take up gigs/part-time jobs alongside your full-time job. It will impact your performance on the job, too, as you’ll grow professionally. You’ll be finding the clients, talking to them, and closing the deals. It requires skills even before you start the actual work. These soft skills are crucial in the current economy along with technical ones.

4.     Building Connections

You can find gigs/part-time jobs in the same domain as your full-time job. It will enable you to build connections in your field with notable people who can offer recommendations and referrals in the future.

Apart from that, it is crucial to look beyond your current company if you want to advance professionally. There are several opportunities with new and exciting companies that would be a better fit for you.

However, those roles require you to be extraordinary in your job. You can display your skills and ability to handle clients with the connections you build with your gigs/part-time jobs. It can help excel not only for finding more gigs but also during a job change.

Therefore, you should find those gigs right now and build up connections in your professional field.

5.     Exploring New Opportunities

If you have always wanted to get out and try a new field different from your current role, taking up gigs/part-time jobs alongside your full-time job is an excellent option.

For example, you can be a software engineer and opt for a graphic designing gig. It will help you earn money while exploring something new or following your passion and get a surplus for your savings.

Also, it’s a perfect method to explore a new field if you want a job change. You can try it out for a short time and see whether it suits you or not.

There are thousands of instances where people start with gigs and convert them into their livelihoods. So, if there’s a hobby that you want to get into, this is a great time.

6.     Building Personal Brand

Having a brand name for yourself and showcasing it can reap several benefits. It would make for a great addition to your resume where the employer can assess your skills. Also, it shows your confidence and ability to handle clients. Using a platform for finding gigs can help you land clients who would endorse your skills. It will be perfect when you want to change your jobs or take up gigs full-time. You can easily do this with your job on the weekends or during your free time. The key would be to find a field or gig that you love doing. It will motivate you further to work and even increase your income.

7.     Gaining Professional Independence

Many people are dependent solely on their jobs. If something adverse happens, such as shutting down the company or large layoffs, they can land in a difficult position financially and mentally. However, if you have gigs/part-time jobs alongside your full-time job that help earn a good amount, you’ll gain independence. It will help escape that dependence and need to stick to a certain job. This compulsion can often lead to employers exploiting their workers for more work. Most of them succumb due to a lack of options and the need for stable money. If you don’t want to be like that, start finding those gigs now.

These were the prime benefits of opting for gigs/part-time jobs alongside your full-time job. You will gain more money, connections, confidence, and independence while doing something that you like. It can help reduce the need to depend on only one income and extend the sources. Also, with the availability of several platforms and websites, anyone can get started and find those gigs easily. So, log on to Workflexi now, create your account and apply for those gigs. All you need is a worthy skill set and dedication.

A company isn’t recognizable these days without an online presence. It includes everything from having a website to an application for a better user experience. This is also the precise reason behind the increasing demand for developers and tech experts. Be it a startup or a flourishing business; you should focus on integrating technology into your business. But the main question is how to do it?

You can maintain the technology aspect of your business by hiring a team. They should be proficient in everything from website development to maintenance. However, getting a full team can be a hefty cost. Also, the hiring process takes up human resources and money too. Your employees would be caught up in the hiring process to look for full-time employees. The best solution to this is to hire developers part-time.

Why Hire Developers Part-time?

• You can skip the need to go through the hiring process. Hiring permanent employees can be a lengthy process where you have to accommodate the company’s requirements and the individual.
• You would be using a chunk of company funds to get employees. From investing in their development and training to other benefits, it can be pretty costly.
• You can hire developers on a gig to get your specific needs. They would have that specific skill set for the gig. This isn’t easy to achieve with full-time employees.
• If you’re a fresh startup, an efficient choice is to hire people for part-time jobs. This will help skip the costs of renting a space and investing in equipment.
• You can skip the geographical boundaries and look for talent worldwide. It will give you access to a larger pool and options.

Although these benefits are really great, finding the right people isn’t easy. Several companies are looking to hire developers part-time and have trouble onboarding them. However, we will provide you the exact guide to get those excellent developers for part-time jobs.

Define The Job

You should first decide why you need to hire freelance developers. It includes defining the job description and other details too.

The gig should consist of the exact role. It can be anything from developing an application to simply integrating an API.

Crystal clear descriptions can help attract the right people who can actually perform the job.

Writing vague requirements will only increase complications in the hiring process and create trouble for your company.

Also, many excellent developers won’t apply to the job if they don’t know whether they can complete the task. This is why you should deliver a crisp, explanatory copy for your task to hire developers part-time.

Be Specific On The Developer’s Skillset

You cannot shortlist candidates if there are thousands of applicants. That’s why you should be specific and define the skills or qualifications of the worker.

For example, it can be a degree in the relevant field or just a broad experience. It will enable you to speed up the process to hire developers on a gig.

While creating the job description, mention the exact skills you want in the candidate. You can decide this by some research about the required skills. It will help to find the right people easily.

Describe The Timeline For The Job

You can hire freelance developers for long-term work or just for one task. However, it is better to decide this beforehand.

The developer might not be available for a longer-term where you would’ve to do this process all over again.

Also, you can negotiate better terms and rates through this. The best way is to create a plan for every technical expertise you would need in the future. It should include your plans for the expansion and integration of different technologies.

For example, if you plan to add some additional features to your project, mention that you need a developer for a longer role. It will enable you to find a developer who can extend their services for a longer period. You can get the benefits of an employee with the affordability of a gig worker/freelancer.

Take Help Of Gig/Freelance Platforms

There are several reputed platforms to hire developers for part-time jobs. It helps give access to numerous people without the need to look for them separately. Apart from that, you can find verified profiles with their previous experiences too.

Workflexi. is one such platform where you can hire freelance developers or part-time developers.

You can just post the task description and the skills required. That’s all you need to find those excellent developers and get on with your company operations.

Workflexi can help you communicate with freelancers before hiring them. It will make the entire process smoother and quick too.

If you’re looking to hire developers, we would suggest you post your requirements here and hire them at no cost.

Screen The Candidates

Screening the applications is crucial before you hire any developers part-time. It will help test their skills and ensure that you’re hiring a credible resource.

You should first go through their applications and shortlist the ones who fit the skill sets. It will reduce the need to call or interview everyone.

The next step is to actually call the gig worker/freelancer and just do a simple screening call. You can ask about their past projects and ask them why they would be a good fit for this job.

Select the people you think are responsive, good in communication skills, or any other crucial trait to handle your project.

The final step should be a test. You can give them a task to test the skills and finalize the selection. A better way is to make it a paid one as the person would be motivated to do better.

Apart from that, you should check over any references or reviews they have provided. It helps take out any fake applications and make the process easier.

Shortlisting the developer

After you’ve completed the screening, you should begin with the negotiation process.

You must negotiate the right price to hire developers part-time. Ensure that you offer an optimum price for the role.

Hiring developers at a lower price might not provide you the desired quality of work. Also, the person would be motivated to do the job better and adhere to the deadlines with better rates.

Sign A Contract

You need to put together a contract while you hire developers part-time.

It should mention the precise job description, the deadline, and the compensation amount. You can also get them to send an invoice after the task, but sending an official contract with the company seal is better.

It will protect you in case of any breach, so ensure that you get legal help while creating the contract. It shouldn’t have room for any inconsistencies or loopholes.

With these things in place, you’ll be more confident in the process to hire developers part-time.

How To Manage The Developers After Hiring?

After the hiring process is complete, you’ll hopefully have the perfect candidate for the task. However, it isn’t easy to manage the process as the person would be working remotely. A lack of communication among the team can lead to inefficiency in the task and even delays.

You should only hire developers part-time after deciding how you’ll manage the work.

Here are some tips that you can follow:

• If you hire multiple developers, an effective communication portal is crucial. You should regularly conduct video calls and meetings to check on the progress of the group. It would help complete the tasks on a deadline and maintain efficiency. Also, all the freelancers can work together if it is a difficult task. So, ensure that you have an accessible communication platform before you begin the work.
• Another great method is to create schedules. You can just mention the deadlines and dates on an accessible document and share it with the group after you hire developers part-time. It would help them do the work in time and not leave any vague details about the completion date. Apart from that, you can easily manage the process through this calendar.
• You need to have a payment mechanism in place before you hire developers part-time. Missing or delaying payments isn’t a motivating factor for the developers. Get the payment details and terms before you assign the work. A better way is to communicate whether they want an advance payment or do it any other way. You can easily manage and hire freelance developers using a fast payment mechanism.
• Regular appraisal and suggestions are crucial to maintaining the quality. You shouldn’t accept the work if it isn’t up to the standards and ask for a revision. You can also ask for revisions and approvals before they actually turn in the work. It’ll help them to know what you want and correct it before submission. If you hire developers part-time, ensure that you communicate this term before beginning the work.

These tips and methods should be your foolproof guide while you hire developers part-time.

You will save time, money, and manpower following these tips and also get an excellent developer. Ensure that you decide on a clear job role, the skillset, and the time limit for the task. It’ll make the entire process easier for the freelancer as well as the company.

So, if you’re planning to integrate technology into your business operations, hire developers part-time now!

What’s the future of the gig economy in India?

India’s total manpower is around 500 million workers of which around 41% are employed in farming sectors and the remaining 59% (around 290 million workers) are in a non-farming sector which includes construction, manufacturing, retail, transport, and logistics.

For the non-farming sector alone, the Gig Economy in India has the future to transact around $250 billion in the amount of work. It can serve up to 90 million jobs, and additionally, add 1.25% to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the longer term. (Source – Boston Consulting Group and Michael & Susan Dell Foundation)

India Isn’t A New Entry To The Gig Economy

Gig work primarily means work done on demand within a stipulated time with little to no formal contracts signed by two parties. In that case, the informal economy in India (with lots of blue-collar jobs, daily wage workers) is not new to gig jobs. However, the gig jobs gained thrust in India after the success of platform-based companies like Ola (taxi & rikshaw service), Workflexi (technical, non-technical & creative service) Zomato (food delivery service).

The BCG report also mentions that the participation of the workforce in the gig economy is more in developing countries like India than in the developed countries. The report also predicts gig and platform-based jobs will evolve and a part of it will be for a highly skilled workforce.  Even inside the sectors such as healthcare, small and medium businesses, the greater demand for highly-skilled gig workers in India is predicted in the coming years.

How Pandemic Has Helped Gear The Horns Of The Gig Economy In India?

Before the outbreak of the coronavirus and the start of the pandemic in the year 2020, the word “work” had a preset notion and certain conditions. For white collared profession, the office work before the pandemic meant doing the work sitting in office cabins away from home in some location. Almost everything was fixed right from the cabin to the office hours. Likewise, for the blue collared jobs based on the work they had fixed or mobile office locations.

But after the pandemic hit our lives, it threw the whole traditional office system into chaos, and the companies were forced to think differently to get their work done. Few organizations which were dependent on the public like malls, hotels ended up doing pay cuts, firing their employee’s as their main revenues took a big hit. Few small enterprises were also forced to shut their doors forever. On the other side, on a positive note, few of the fired employees started finding gigs and it also led people to learn new skills to take up the gigs to support their family and build a better quality of life.

Chunduru (founder of a business transformation organization) says, “the gig economy in India is in existence for a while now but previously it was known only for blue-collar jobs. Now the latest add-on to the Gig economy in India is the white-collar gig workers”. He mentions that three sets of companies are in requirement of white-collar gig workers. They are the startups, small and medium enterprises, and the third being the legacy companies who are revamping their strategies, business model and aiming for quicker growth.

He adds that the pandemic indeed saw a rising trend in the gig economy and also a change in the mindset of people. He gives an example of a startup founder who felt the gig economy was far from reality in India. Once the pandemic hit, he could see it being a reality. Pandemic has made abnormal things the new normal and one which gained more currency during this period was of course the gig economy.

Gigs Versus Traditional Employment

Apart from the pandemic, there are certain clear advantages that the gig economy has compared to traditional employment. A gig economy is cost-effective for companies as the hiring process will be based on the company’s requirements and business need for the stipulated time, this allows the company to save more on compliance costs which they would have to bear if they recruit employees permanently.

Gig economy suits the best for the companies or organizations whose business model is based on temporary workforce and their needs keep changing for every project. They are also ideal for startups for two reasons. The first reason is affordability. They get an option to hire highly skilled gig workers for a certain amount of time-based on a contract which can cost a fortune otherwise. The second reason is expertise level. Startups, since they hire skilled gig workers they can save money on training costs.

The other clear benefits are convenience, flexibility, quality work, and demanded payment for the work done on time. The hirer and gig worker can also have a mutually beneficial relationship as both of them are free to cater to their needs without any restrictions. In a nutshell, the rise in the gig economy in India will benefit employers, employees, and the economy in the long run.

Gig Workers Segment In India

The gig workers in India are divided into four segments:

1. High Skills – They are very much aware of the work they are doing as they are pro at it. For example, developers, graphic designers, digital marketers, etc., fulfill the purpose and choose their flexible timings. Time flexibility helps women in taking care of their household commitments and also do the gig work in the available time.
2. Moderate Skill – They want to make a mark in their field/career by improving themselves both position and learning-wise. The gig workers examples are Cab drivers, Auto drivers, LIC agents,  Data Entry operators.
3. Semi Skill – The skill level is low but they want to contribute financially, lend a helping hand to increase the household income. The gig workers examples are Construction workers, Food Delivery agents, Healthcare workers, Construction workers.
4. Student – They earn to pay their fees, financially support their family, learn soft skills and a flexible schedule helps them take up gig work after their college.

Gig Economy And End-users

For end-users or consumers, gigs offer lots of benefits. For instance, in your daily life, before ride-sharing apps like Ola, Uber came in to picture renting a taxi was not a first choice you had while you wanted to travel without using your vehicle. Many traditional businesses have reduced their service charges to keep up with the competition of the gig economy. Quality and Trust have become an ardent part of the gig economy. The gigs have made our life more hassle-free and less worrisome from food delivery to software product delivery.

What Are The Components Required To Raise The Future Of Gig Economy In India To The Next Level?

According to Rajah Augustinraj (Principal, BCG), an ecosystem made of four distinct and interrelated components unlock the future of the gig economy.

1. Platform and services – should ensure providing gig works to end users, fulfilling the pre-requisites from both sides, and have innovations in business model, offerings, and pricing.
2. Ecosystem Enablers – providing commonly used services across the platform including skill development training, background verification, and financial services.
3. Digital Public Goods – providing a set of community-owned content-based worker registries, skill repositories, and inventory to enable the transparency of demand and supply information.
4. Government Public Policy and Regulation – The Government should pave way for the rising trend in Gig Economy by bringing in worker protection laws, covering occupational hazard benefits and coverage, and providing data privacy and security.

He concludes that India has all the components in place with different levels of maturity. Bringing in the full-fledged ecosystem of technology-based platforms, required service enablers, public goods, and public policy will bring in the momentum to raise the immense potential that the gig Economy holds for our country.

How Trustworthy Platforms Like WorkFlexi Are Helping The Cause?

Now the future of the Gig Economy in India has taken a big leap after the emergence of technology-enabled platforms like Workflexi where gig works are available for the white-collared fraternity as well with more safeguarding policies in place. They provide the best platform for companies to get engaged with skillful gig workers to meet their demands and goals on time. Also on the other side, they make sure the gig workers earn their money based on the milestones achieved while performing a Gig.

The transparency and safety provided by gig platforms like Workflexi help the companies(hirers) and gig workers give their best. Here in Workflexi, the biggest advantage for a gig worker is on-time payments wherein on the other hand companies also get their quality work done on time. Such trustable platforms are the major contributors to the rise in the future of the gig economy, especially in India.

If you are talented and think you have the capability to do gigs you can register here. On the other hand, if you are a hirer and you want the best talents for your work, you can hire gig workers from Workflexi.

Conclusion Note

With the rise of the gig economy, India is predicted to be gigantic with the business transformation happening around the world. Gig Economy could create 1 million new jobs in the next 2-3 years and provide livelihoods to millions of Indian people in the area of their expertise. It’s high time that all skilled professionals get adapted to the gig working as it’s going to become the new normal in the future.

Professionals stuck in their homes found ways to escape their 9 to 5 routine and try out something new. It is the very reason why you can now see thousands of small businesses promoting their operations on social media. These people are full-time working professionals and even mere teenagers. It has changed the way we view our professional lives and increase the opportunities available.

A few years back, anyone could hardly believe that multinational companies would be operating their business from home. This pandemic has forced us to think again and maybe change our ways.

A major player that has emerged to affect the livelihoods of the population is short-term gigs. Gigs are individual contracts, for a short or long term time, where a company hires a freelance professional for a specific job. The freelancer is paid on a per-work basis and according to the work quality. You might be aware of this process already.

For example, you must have used the Ola or Uber application to book a ride. You pay the company on a per-ride basis, and the company subsequently pays the driver on the same ground. It is precisely what the entire gig economy and freelancing are about. You hire an individual to perform a job for you or your business, and they get paid on a per hour, day, or project basis.

What Is Meant By “The Gig Economy”?

In the emerging digital world, companies or individuals hire freelancers or contractual workers. It can be anything from a content writing job to a web designing project. The worker is paid based on a predetermined rate per project. There are options to remunerate them based on the hours spent and also the days.

The word economy signifies the rapid development and increases in this work. The gig economy is improving globally at a rapid rate, and more people involve in this process. It has helped scale this type of work to a vast term as the economy. The individuals who earn their livelihood from gigs form this economy. Their aggregate incomes are the total value, just like any other industry.

Impacts Of The Gig Economy On Various Sectors

Holding the second-biggest global population and workforce, India is becoming a hotspot for gigs. Due to cheaper services and greater quality of work, international companies are constantly preferring to hire workers from India. It has impacted the Indian workforce and Worklife to a great level.

Let us discuss the different aspects of this increasing workforce and the benefits for the Indian population:

1. An Opportunity To Earn Passive Income

India has the second biggest workforce, which leads to reduced salaries and unemployment among the population. There is only a small ratio of the population that earns up to the mark of international standards. It states the importance of passive income and multiple sources for Indian professionals to sustain their lifestyles.

The gig economy is constantly helping people to earn more money than their fixed salary. Even so, they can do this work along with their regular jobs and strive for a better lifestyle. Platforms like Workflexi.in are providing opportunities for people to earn more income.

2. Normalized Part-time Jobs For Students.

Part-time or contractual work is a very usual thing in other countries. It is often looked down on in India, and students are not usually engaged in any work until they obtain their degrees. The gig economy in India is helping people earn incomes with minimums skills and qualifications.

You would need to present the required qualifications to get a permanent corporate job. But instead, for gigs, you just have to showcase your skills. There are several opportunities open for students to start earning without obtaining a technical skill.

3. Earning Opportunity For Women Staying At Home

Many Indian women do not form a part of the earning population and tend to stay at home. The Indian gig economy is helping them get a chance to start earning right from their home. Online platforms require just a device and internet connection to start working. Also, it has helped them regain their confidence and contribute to the economy.

4. Helping People Monetize Their Skills

Due to the world’s shift to an online space, the demand for better digital skills is increasing. Earlier, there were hardly any jobs in the digital fields like marketing or graphics, let alone gig work. The increasing gig economy has helped people monetize their skills and earn a handsome income from them. You can easily make money from writing blogs, translating scrips, or even graphic design.

These are some of the things people did as a hobby. Now, they can sustain their livelihood from it too.

5. Escape The Corporate Jobs

Workflexi is one such platform that helps people find gig work and escape their monotonous routine. You can find several gigs related to hundreds of fields here, and their reach is constantly increasing. It is an excellent choice for people who want to leave the corporate world and adopt a flexible work life.

It has helped improve the work-life balance and bring out a sense of entrepreneurship in the people.

What Does This Mean For Businesses?

Businesses are also facing the impacts of the gig economy. While most of it is positive, there can be some negative sides to it as well. They are hiring gig workers to outsource their operations which can lead to cost-saving. Let us look at the various impacts of the gig economy on businesses.

6. Avoid Hiring Staffs

Businesses can find it cheaper and more convenient to hire a gig worker rather than a permanent employee. They don’t have to spend money on training and induction and other costs. Also, they’ll only have to pay per job done they want and not anything else.

It is an excellent option for online stores and remote businesses. They can save a lot of money by using gig workers and not hiring permanent staff.

7. Remote Working

Remote working has emerged to be a big player in modern businesses. Multinational companies are operating entirely through the internet and online applications. It is also a factor in the increase in the demand for gig workers too. Companies can benefit from this as they don’t have to spend money to work in a physical office. All they need is a smooth internet connection and great gig workers.

8. Get Things Done At Cheaper Rates.

The gig economy of India is competitive, and you can find things at very cheap rates. There will always be someone else who is willing to do it at a more affordable rate. It has presented an excellent opportunity for new companies to find the cheapest rates and get things done.

Subsequent Impacts Of The Gig Economy On The Indian Workforce

The Indian workforce is diversified and extensive. You can find people for every kind of job at competitive rates. The improving gig economy has impacted the Indian workforce as well. Here are some impacts of the gig economy on the Indian workforce:

9. Helped Increase Employment Level

The gig economy globally is coming to light as people are earning their livelihoods from it. A gig worker might not fit into the traditional role of an employed person, but that’s what makes it unique. People are not tied up to a single corporation which gives them freedom. It has helped increase the living standards of people who might not be eligible for corporate jobs.

10. Improve The Work-life Balance

The work-life balance of corporate employees is seldom difficult. They have extended hours and mandatory timings to adhere to. For a gig, the person is only responsible for delivering the work on the deadline. They can negotiate and decide the timings, cost, and other deliverables before taking on the job.

It has helped people work on their own terms, and utilize their time to their wish.

11. Identifying India As A Major Gig Economy Worldwide

India’s high engagement in gig work has led to it emerging as a global payer. Due to the cheap rates of work, people tend to prefer Indians. It has helped bring up employment and increase the foreign cash flow too. Businesses worldwide are identifying the use of the Indian workforce and the quality of their work.

12. Help The Startup Culture.

Gigs and startups go hand in hand. India is home to thousands of startups and small companies. These businesses cannot afford to hire employees permanently. The improving gig economy has helped provide an opportunity for them. New startups can use the online space to find gig workers at cheap rates and employ them. They may choose the terms of the specific job and select the ones that fit their budgets.

Are There Any Risks Or Drawbacks In The Gig Economy?

Just like a coin, there is another side to this as well. While many things are good in the gig economy, the inherent risks are still present in it. Let us discuss the most prominent ones:

1. Risks Of The Digital Space

The digital space is susceptible to hacking and cyber-attacks. Moreover, when you hire a gig worker, they are not bound by the strict terms as a permanent employee. It can lead to data privacy issues for your company. Also, you may have to share crucial information with a worker, which might not always be a safe choice.

2. Fake Gigs And Scams

Many people in the online space are waiting to cheat the other person. It may be a fake business or an individual looking for money. There are several instances of such things where people had to face losses. It may be a monetary loss or of effort. There aren’t any strict guidelines to curb the activities of the gig economy yet.

3. It Isn’t Easy Finding Well-paying Work.

The primary issue with the bidding work is that you’ll seldom be judged based on the cost. You seldom have to lower your costs just to secure some work. It is a difficult position for the people who have a better experience than others.

Due to the constantly increasing competition, finding good gigs isn’t easy. It can take a long time for a new gig worker before they find stable work and earn their livelihood.

How Can You Overcome These Troubles As A Gig Worker?

We are listing below some tried and tested methods adopted by gig workers to ensure their success.

Several platforms offer verified and secure gig jobs to workers. You need to use reputed ones to ensure you don’t become a scam victim. Here are some of them:

• Fiverr: It is one of the gig platforms. You can find thousands of gigs of different kinds. However, due to the popularity, the competition is much high, and you may not be able to find work here easily.

• Upwork: You can place your bids and proposals for different projects posted by clients. It may be a better option for a new worker as you may get work by offering a low price.

• Workflexi: It is an Indian platform and an excellent choice for new and full-time gig workers. You can find work here quickly as the competition is much less than the reputed websites. The highlight of Workflexi is that they protect both gig-workers and the hirers from the general uncertainties & previously mentioned risks of the gig space. You can also find many jobs from different industries here.

These were the different aspects of improving and adding to the positive impacts of the gig economy. It has helped change the definition of working and gave a new sense to it. If you want to try your hand and monetize your skills, now would surely be the best time to do it. Go through this guide and choose one of the platforms to begin your work now!

Summer holidays were joyful when we grew up, we had plethora of activities planned and most activities planned in advance. The idea of freedom had taken its course on the first day of our exams and it reached crescendo right after that last word penned down in the exam hall. That was freedom! We yearned and studied hard for that freedom. That moment of absoluteness. Oh, the activities like early morning jogs, cycling, cricket, etc. Such was the pleasure of imagination!

With time being what it is, the futurist me will only retrospect and cherish those moments of childish joy. Times have changed, we used cycle to travel 10kms and legs to travel 2 kms. The boom in the economic market has changed our lifestyle to unimaginable ease, with it, comes this whole new level of thinking. A thinking that could change the momentum of history and defy the very fabric of the universe.

For my readers who are new to generation Z, these are people who were born in between 1999-2000 who are going shape the future of nation states. The population of generation Z in India especially, estimated to be around 475 million by 2019 which is phenomenal considering we are the second biggest populated country in the world. For all these years, we spoke about population being such a bane to the future of our country, however, with this special case, we are inching towards a bright and prosperous times ahead.

The demographics of our country comes at a time when there is a global paradigm shift in innovation. The millennial’s looked for “what is in it for me” whereas the Gen Z-ers look for solutions as per the problems they personally face. Which in turn takes birth in the form of technology and gadgets. They would frown upon any system that binds them to one particular ideology. They are the ones who would be more open to take risks, try something new and hustle.

We would see a huge inflow of people who would be more interested to take up a contract job than a permanent job. Permanent jobs are boring and tend to curb their creative senses. Taking up a contract job is far more stimulating than the mundaneness of everyday routine which a permanent job conveniently renders.

The year 1497 marks one of the greatest landmarks of world history with Vasco da Gama landing in Calicut, likewise, will Gen Z-ers create that dent in the universe?

We had this amazing opportunity to meet up with Kaptco Talent Solutions, a leading contract staffing company in Bangalore today.

Kaptco was founded by Karthikeyan Murugan in the summer of 2010. Although they started off as a company catering to BPO’s, they quickly figured their niche in the telecom products/solutions startup industry. They leveraged their core strengths in this niche and helped at least 4 telecom product/solutions startups scale up to 200-300 people companies.

The learning from that success is was recognizing one’s niche and sticking to it is the go-to thing in today’s world. It is true for individuals as well as organizations. Truth be told, contracting in India is still not matured and contract jobs are still frowned upon. Being mindful about contracting in India and sustaining a business in cut-throat competition is an art by itself.

Kaptco Ideology

Startups typically have limited bootstrapped budgets before getting funding. Thus, hiring the right resources is one of the key challenges any startup faces. That is where Kaptco adds value to businesses. They have a streamlined process of identifying key talent and training them to match business requirements.

Workflexi partnered with Kaptco in the capacity of providing resources on contract who are immediate joiners and qualified, validated job seekers.

Conclusion

Staffing is a zero-sum game, it has to be fast and maintain quality. Clients expect speed, quality and price. Successful vendors/partners like Kaptco help strike the right balance and thereby add a little extra to the seemingly ordinary job of hiring.

]]> https://www.workflexi.in/blog/how-to-get-the-contract-job-after-losing-one/ Wed, 01 Aug 2018 04:51:15 +0000 http://workflexi.in/blogger/?p=102 Company restructuring, business failures, cost cutting and performance issues are some of the reasons that result in job losses. Once you are asked to stop coming to work, you realise that you also lose your daily routine and a steady salary, making you a nervous wreck. However, instead of sorting out the issue at hand, you end up wallowing in pity, watching TV ad infinitum and sinning on sweets and ice creams like there is no tomorrow. Follow these tips and you should never become a homebody again, at least not for months at a stretch.

Job

SHARE YOUR SORROW

Many of us are so ashamed of the job loss, no matter the reason, that we forget to share it with people we meet. That is the biggest mistake. If you assess your previous jobs, you realize that perhaps the workplace was not really a good fit for you, or you were not given what you were capable of. And this job loss was a blessing in disguise. This should be your line of thinking as it cuts through to the core of the problem: your strengths and how the next company can benefit from your skills. Once you have this figured out, sharing your plight becomes that much easier. Instead of bitching about the sad state of affairs in your company, you could tell anyone who bothered to ask about your job status that you lost your job, and now you want to do something in a particular arena to go up the ladder. This usually gets you the assistance you really need rather than just someone sharing their handkerchiefs or paper towels at the dinner party. This sharing should happen with the other friends who have lost their jobs too. If it’s a company restructuring, usually there are many more people who lose their jobs. In such circumstances, all of you can weep on each other’s shoulders and formulate a strategy to survive this one. Care and share, as it always works.

DON’T SPLURGE

Saving is earning, and this becomes more pertinent when you have no monthly retainer to turn to. Cut down on eating out, entertainment, unnecessary shopping, dial down your internet and cable TV plans, and perhaps even cancel your Netflix subscription to prevent yourself from binge-watching. Instead, cook like you’ve never cooked before. Go for a walk in the neighborhood park instead of using a personal trainer and be happy with your current smartphone instead of going for the latest and greatest. In addition to substantial savings, what this actually does is inconvenience you to such an extent that it will goad you to get a job now instead of wallowing in pity and feeling hopeless.

UPSKILL YOURSELF

If you look at it the other way around, job losses have their merits. For one, you can take a break and have some me-time which you never did for all those years you were married to your job. Just make sure you don’t overdo your vacations or resting time. Once you’ve tuned in to reality after the much-required break, what do you do? Look around to do what you have always loved to do but couldn’t for want of time. It could be a course you needed to take to upskill yourself. This will not only get you into the groove but also put you in the learning state of mind where anything becomes possible.

RATIONALISE YOUR LOSS

You cannot escape from the inevitable question of why you lost your job. Here is where you need to view at the query objectively and answer it sincerely. However, try to be positive in whatever you have to say, because just passing the buck will not be appreciated by anybody. And you should never burn your bridges by antagonizing your previous company. You never know how they could help you later in life. Once you have your answer figured out, ensure that it’s a professional and not an emotional response. Your recruiter will appreciate you for your rank honesty and straight from the heart talk. If you are feeling pessimistic or queasy about this question, think about answering this question: What positive lessons have your learnt from your previous job and what can you do better in your next job. If you can answer this thoughtfully and sincerely, you might excel at your next job interview. Good luck.

STOP OVERCLOCKING

If you have an Android phone, you can overclock the processor and it will become much faster at the expense of your battery life. What’s more, it could get heated more quickly. Something’s got to give. Similarly, at the workplace, if you make people work overtime without proper compensation or work environment, they could quit or fall sick all the time. An employer who cares to ensure this doesn’t happen will reap the benefits of looking after their workforce. It could be as simple as providing adjustable standing/sitting tables, so people don’t mess up their backs. Or snooze rooms to catch their forty winks. Or be allowed to take as many breaks possible, so long as they are meeting their deadlines and doing their job well. Similarly, instead of boardroom meetings, you could go around campus and engage in talks. Companies can provide bonuses to employees who complete certain health challenges or have an in-house physiotherapist whose only job is to fix the aches and pains of the employees engaged in sedentary activities. Of course, who doesn’t need ergonomic chairs, keyboards and mice?

BELONGINGNESS

Just creating a fantastic-sounding vision and core values is not it. A company has to walk the fancy talk. That translates to allowing every employee, no matter the designation or seniority, to suggest things for improvement. Importantly, there should be a screening committee whose only job is to look at these complaints, suggestions and feedback and act on them. Since employees are closer to the job they do, they are also the best people to tell the company how that work can be done better. Not only will this make the employees happier but also make the firm more productive and importantly, more human. Want to know where employees love to work the most? Forbes has one such list.

ACCOUNTABILITY

No information in the company should be beyond a person’s pay grade. That’s real transparency and accountability. When the employees learn why the company is behaving in a certain way, they are able to figure out the process more humanely and put their heart and soul into it and make it work as they now share a common goal: to drive business productivity. When each department is functioning independent of each other, there is no shared vision, and employees who have nothing in common can never be driven to do better. They get plain bored and leave.

OWNERSHIP

When an employee is good and wants to get better, the company should ask them to own the department and run it their way. If the person takes it up, it shows that the company not only trusts them but also allows the spirit of innovation and decentralized power. Importantly, the firm is turning an employee into a business partner who is showing signs of an entrepreneur. Tomorrow, that same person could quit the company and become a raw material supplier for the organisation he worked for. And the firm is much happy to deal with them rather than a new or even a far more accomplished supplier because they know what their former employee can deliver. This is how companies can encourage entrepreneurship.  For those who have it in them, the organisations should give them a free rein, so they can do more, and be more.

BALANCE WORK AND LIFE

Work is worship, but don’t let that make you sacrifice your time and that of your family’s. Balancing work and life can go a long way in ensuring peaceful existence. Take up a hobby. Pursue your other passions. Get a contract job fromWork Flexi. With a fixed term contract, you get to do what you want and take a month’s break after completing your term. The best part? Work Flexi will pay you one month’s basic salary, so you can rewind, reboot and restart your next job or pursue one of your many passions. That’s real work-life balance.

Welcome home. Welcome to work flexing.

Job Offer

Observation

If you are really keen on joining a company but have one niggling doubt about its work culture, it’s best to do some sleuthing before accepting that offer letter. Just park yourself outside the office building just before office hours. Notice the body language, the talk and the urgency with which employees do things or say something. Observe them at the end of the day and watch out for their facial expressions. They will either sport happy faces or relieved faces who prefer the comfort of their home. However, you can’t make a conclusive decision just based on this, so read on, to see if your assumption adds up.

Be candid

Sometimes, particularly if you are a prized candidate, it helps to be more candid and in-your-face. If the company trying to woo you finalises your candidacy, ask the HR person for examples that are the best testimony for their core brand values. If they share some heartwarming stories without any hesitation and with much passion, you know they are standing by their ideals. Tick that checkbox.

Endorsement from past employees

LinkedIn is the best tool to ask old employees who served in a similar capacity that you are going to occupy. Their experience will not just be about the work but also regarding the culture, the subordinates and the superiors who made all the difference, for better or worse.

Peak in

One walk through the office will give you some indications on their work culture too. Ask for an office tour; they will not deny that to a potential recruit. If you see spaces with people collaborating furiously or largely absent from desks or completely immersed in their work, every scenario gives off a certain vibe. Feel it and judge if it’s positive or negative. For example, if there are too many personal items on a person’s work desk, it could mean that this employee is either a long-time worker or plans to stick around for long. It shows that they like their job or they have no other option but to stick to this job.

Lunchtime is the best time

Sometimes, it’s best to check out the office during lunchtime. You could observe all the clues outlined above and this one. See if the employees are happily chatting each other up or are they working and eating at the same time. If it’s an isolated case of eating at the workdesk, don’t bother. But if you spot too many people indulging in this, it talks of a certain unhealthy pattern where the company loves workaholics without giving them enough time to feed themselves. What’s worse is a company that does not allow people to talk to people from other departments or mandates that each employee eat at their workdesk only.

Go to the loo

Yes, but not to help you arrive at a decision of accepting or rejecting the job offer but to look for more cues. If the toilet is clean and tidy, with enough toilet paper, it indicates an organised workspace. If it’s the reverse, you wouldn’t want to work here.