December 2024
04Dec

Rise and Challenges of India’s Gig Economy

According to a white paper by the Forum for Progressive Gig Workers, the gig economy in India is projected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17%, reaching USD 455 billion by 2024, driving significant economic growth and employment opportunities. What is the Gig Economy? About: The gig economy refers to a labor market characterized by short-term, and flexible jobs often facilitated through digital platforms. It involves individuals or companies offering services on a temporary or task-by-task basis, rather...

December 4, 2024
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November 2024
29Nov

Population Trends Across the Globe

By Anne Morse These population estimates and projections show population trends that are unique to some countries and others that represent broader global shifts. They also help the U.S. government and the public answer fundamental questions about the world’s people and places. Today, the Census Bureau published revised estimates and projections for 34 countries or areas. The updates incorporate new population data and changes in demographic trends. Get the report here

November 29, 2024
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29Nov

Brazil: Employment & Benefits – 2024 Highlights and 2025 Outlook

By Aline Fidelis This year has brought several significant updates to Brazilian labor law, with key changes focusing on equal pay, digital communication requirements, and debate over the regulation of platform work. These developments highlight the increasing emphasis on gender equality, workplace mental health, and the evolving nature of work in the gig economy. This article outlines the key highlights from 2024 and looks ahead to 2025. Get the report here

November 29, 2024
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28Nov

The Gig Economy in India: A Double-Edged Sword

The rise of the gig economy in India represents a profound transformation in the country’s labour market. Enabled by rapid digitization, growing smartphone usage, and platforms like Uber, Swiggy, and Zomato, millions now perform short-term “gigs” without formal employment. This shift promises flexibility for both businesses and workers, offering companies an on-demand workforce while allowing workers immediate earnings. Yet, this transformation has a dual nature: while it offers flexibility and income opportunities, gig work also brings challenges, such as...

November 28, 2024
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26Nov

Demanding dignity for delivery drivers in China’s precarious gig economy

In August 2024, a viral video from Hangzhou showed a delivery driver kneeling before a security guard after being fined for scaling a fence to save time. The incident ignited protests among delivery riders, exposing the exploitation embedded in China’s food delivery industry. This moment, combined with the release of Upstream, a Chinese blockbuster highlighting the struggles of gig workers, has intensified public discussion about the plight of the 12 million Chinese delivery riders navigating precarious conditions. Their challenges expose deeper...

November 26, 2024
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26Nov

How are countries responding to the ageing workforce challenge?

An ageing population is an irreversible global trend, and it risks posing serious challenges over the next few decades. Pension systems, designed when populations were younger and life expectancy shorter, are now under immense pressure. To mitigate the impact of an ageing population, governments around the world are starting to implement a raft of measures. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, nations are amending pension laws and updating regulations to adapt to the changing demographics. Let’s delve into the details...

November 26, 2024
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22Nov

Do Pensions Enhance Worker Effort and Selection? Evidence from Public Schools

By Michael Bates & Andrew C. Johnston Why do employers offer pensions? We empirically examine two theoretical rationales, namely that pensions improve worker effort and worker selection. We test these hypotheses using rich administrative measures on effort and output for teachers around the pension-eligibility notch. When workers cross the notch, their effective compensation falls by roughly 50 percent of salary, but we observe no reduction in worker effort or output. This implies that pension payments do not increase effort. As for selection, we find...

November 22, 2024
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15Nov

Can Flexible Jobs Drive the Future of Work? Lessons from MENA

By Carole Chartouni, Khalid Moheyddeen, Ramy Zeid, Rada Naji & Montserrat Pallares-Miralles The evolving nature of work is prompting a global shift towards more adaptable and flexible employment practices. Work is no longer only a place you go to for a 9 to 5 job – it is transforming into a dynamic concept as an ever-growing number of people are gravitating towards flexible employment models, often referred to as non-standard forms of employment (NSEs). Growing evidence shows that as people increasingly value...

November 15, 2024
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15Nov

Lessons on strengthening pensions and social insurance for sustainable development

By Gustavo Demarco, Gonzalo Reyes, Diego Wachs & Aaron Buchsbaum In today's rapidly evolving world, robust pension systems and social insurance programs are vital for ensuring economic stability, financial inclusion, and the well-being of citizens, particularly in the face of aging populations. Understanding the multifaceted benefits of these systems, as well as the challenges in implementing sustainable pension systems, is crucial for informed policymaking. The World Bank is responding by revitalizing its in-depth training courses for government officials. In a recent course, experts...

November 15, 2024
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14Nov

China’s economy adapts to serve older people

One person's aging is another's opportunity. In China, companies and services are adapting to serve what demographers call the silver economy - hundreds of millions of people over the age of 60. NPR's Emily Feng has this report. (SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC) EMILY FENG, BYLINE: This is a drumming club in southwestern China for people over 65 years of age only. They've occupied a large warehouse base and filled it with rows of drums and disco lights. ZHU NANFEI: (Speaking Mandarin). FENG: Zhu Nanfei,...

November 14, 2024
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