Managing the contingent workforce

However, there are certain challenges in managing the contingent workforce effectively. There has to be a cohesive workforce management strategy in place, in the absence of which managing a contingent workforce can be quite a challenge. Hari says, “At Big Basket, we use a contingent workforce as part of our last-mile delivery. It is a micro-entrepreneur model, where the delivery person freelances with us and we pay based on order delivered”.

The new generation is not ready to take up skilled jobs as the respectability towards it is a little low. There is a need to come up with strategies and plans to attract a skilled workforce. Hari says, “Big Basket majorly hires bikers in its contingent workforce. The need for bikers is increasing because the pool is not expanding fast enough to keep pace with the burgeoning demand. Our salaries and incentives have become more lucrative in keeping with the market trends”.

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Companies must have clarity on ‘single-use’ of workforce in putting innovation, creativity and spontaneity into business needs and results. Ad hoc managerial behaviour can be a challenge in managing contingent workforce. ‘Adhocracy’ is a must in adapting swiftly to changing conditions. Hari says, “A contingent workforce needs to have clearly-defined deliverables as statement of work. We have a ‘Big Basket Trust’ that provides several benefits to riders. These benefits include life and accident insurance as well as educational assistance for the associates and the families”.