Singapore’s take on the changing nature of employment

THE nature of employment has changed irrevocably. Three years into the pandemic – marked by a profusion of lockdowns, quarantine protocols and economic disruptions – it would be strange if it hadn’t.

Ride-hailing and food-delivery companies like Grab, foodpanda and Deliveroo have flourished in this environment. A survey conducted in March by these three companies found that 60 per cent of food delivery riders entered the gig economy (for the first time) during the pandemic.

Participation in the gig economy used to mean earning a little extra on the side or having the flexibility to determine your own working hours. But now for many Singaporeans temporary, short-term or contract work is no longer just a side hustle; it’s their main source of income.