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THE TROUBLE WITH BUSINESS
Flexible Futures From fractional roles to full-time flexibility, the gig economy is changing how we work. By Ari Kaufman
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ig work has been around since the early 1900s when musicians used the word to refer to performances. While the gig economy has exploded in recent years, the concept dates from the beginning of the internet in the mid-1990s. Within a gig economy, contract workers fill tasks in short-term roles in lieu of traditional full-time employees. The result of a gig economy can be more efficient services. Gig work can benefit employees, businesses and consumers by making work more adaptable to the demands for flexible lifestyles. Workers get paid for “gigs” they complete, like food delivery, a car trip or a writing assignment. Proponents of the gig economy claim that independent
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contractors benefit from control over how much time they can work as they juggle other priorities. Critics note that there is limited job security, since employers often save money by not paying health coverage and vacation time. Amy Sip of ASip Consulting in Sartell believes “fractional” space is taking off. Fractional work falls along the gig economy spectrum, but is more focused than a temporary job. Often requiring executive skills or experience, fractional positions tend to be projectbased and reserved for highlevel personnel. These roles frequently provide expert guidance for companies lacking the resources to hire a full-time executive. “Fractional is becoming increasingly popular because
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many businesses need to hire a professional, but can't afford to hire them as fulltime employees,” according to Sipp, who is a fractional human resources executive. “I recognized the need a little over six years ago when I was working for a business that needed help with HR, but didn't need to hire a full-time employee, only someone for 20-30 hours per week.” Other area consultants value the flexibility presented by this work style. Amanda Groethe is the owner of Fuller Creative in St. Cloud. She said gig work allows clients to source specialized talent and tailored solutions for their distinct needs. “This flexibility is particularly valuable as clients can tap into a pool of skilled professionals precisely
matched to the requirements of specific projects. The ability for my clients to engage with my consulting services on a fractional basis is a strategic advantage,” Groethe said. “It helps them navigate fluctuating workloads without the long-term commitment and financial implications associated with hiring a fulltime, benefitted employee.” Groethe also enjoys the variety offered by gig or fractional work. “I get to work with a wide range of companies and projects, constantly challenging myself to grow professionally, master new skills, and learn from each unique experience.” In recent years, Mark Kroska of AGC Agency in St. Cloud, has seen an increase in gig work in the tech industry. He finds several advantages for AGC, including less risk for the company when taking on more help (since the person only gets paid for the time or projects they work on) and less risk for the gig employee because they can work several jobs at once. “It’s been an excellent way for us to ‘try out’ a potential employee,” Kroska said. “Sometimes it works out and we hire them, while other times they remain as non-employees. We continue to evolve and adapt to the market conditions for our customers.” With planning, there can be personal tax advantages for gig