The Uberization of online work: a revolution in progress
In recent years, the concept of Uberization has taken a prominent place in the world of work. With the emergence of online platforms, many jobs have been transformed and millions of people now find themselves operating as independent “entrepreneurs”. Whether in the field of transportation, delivery, design, web development or writing, online work opportunities are multiplying and now represent more than 10% of the global job market, according to a recent World Bank study.
The notion of online working is booming, affecting up to 400 million people around the world. These are often small, piecemeal jobs, also called “micro-tasks,” that can be completed in a matter of seconds. However, the remuneration for these tasks is often low. On the other hand, there are also online jobs requiring real skills, such as web development, translation or data analysis.
This new form of work is experiencing particularly strong growth in developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. According to the World Bank study, this growth even reached 130% in 5 years in this region of the world. African countries ahead of this phenomenon are Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. However, it is worth highlighting that the demand for online work is also local, with many platforms operating nationally.
This evolution of the labor market presents undeniable advantages. In particular, it offers employment opportunities to people who were often excluded, such as women or residents of rural areas. It also allows students to supplement their income and offers greater flexibility in managing working time. However, it is important to emphasize that this uberization also has disadvantages. Online workers are often poorly paid, without access to social protection or income guarantees. In addition, online platforms, based abroad, often escape the legal framework of the country in which they operate.
Faced with these challenges, the World Bank is calling on governments to take up the issue. It is crucial to find solutions adapted to each context, without stifling this new economic model. Online workers must be able to voice their concerns and speak out against unfair practices, while benefiting from adequate social protection. This new form of work, which is already strongly influenced by artificial intelligence, represents both a risk and an opportunity.. Relevant stakeholders, from regulators to politicians to the private sector, must work together to find a balance that ensures sustainable and equitable growth in the uberization of online work.
In conclusion, the Uberization of online work is a growing reality, with impressive figures and growing influence in many countries. While it offers interesting opportunities, it is crucial to take into account the resulting challenges and find suitable solutions to protect workers online while promoting a thriving digital economy.