Hyperlocal services & the future of employment.
The covid-19 pandemic has disrupted economies to crippling levels. Markets are currently operating on safe-mode. The real damage from the pandemic is yet to follow. Most of which will trickle down to industries, demand, supply and employment.
Company earnings are expected to decline due to reduced customer footfall, vendor defaults, operational obstructions, supply and service restrictions. Furthermore, unemployment is expected to rise globally to an all time high. The reduction in salary and working hours will add to the ‘working poverty’ among people already struggling.
Amidst the global slowdown, hyperlocal services seems to be on the rise and growing steadily. A study on the growth of hyperlocal services in India predicted that revenue growth for hyperlocal market will be at 41% in 2020 compared to previous years. According to Ken Research, the Indian hyperlocal market will exceed 2,306 crores in 2020.
The surge in use is attributed to the growing urban population centers in India and the increased use of smartphones. However, there is also a clear problem particularly in urban areas to find reliable people to get tasks done that require deeper engagement.
This prominent gap in the market along with the availability of local manpower has always been overlooked.
A major aspect of the Helpee platform is to provide users with real connectivity to verified Helpee partners through a one stop solution. It makes it easier for our users to find real time reliable help on demand. Along with the availability of full time customer support and safe online payments makes it convenient as well as the ease of use for people living in urban India.
We talked to our Helpee partners who’ve joined the platform recently. Almost all were in specialized positions that were redundant due to the pandemic. They used to work in cinemas, cab services, housekeeping, courier. Many of them now are willing to take up hyperlocal jobs and freelance work to overcome the crisis. Some of them would much prefer to continue this mode of gig work if it provided them the adequate earnings and freedom.
Experts predict a major shift in employment preference towards hyperlocal jobs. We see an increased supply of manpower and a clear gap in the market for hyperlocal services that requires deeper engagement. India used to be an informal market and with the advent of digital technology and policies, we can see the country shifting towards becoming an organized market place.
Helpee founder Suman Choudhary feels that to build trust for such services, the person should be from the local community. They should be present in that geographical area to accept the live tasks posted on the platform.
Being local allows a Helpee partner to become better at operational efficiencies and a possibility to cater to the same user multiple times while building trust among them.
When we look at the Indian economy and the dynamic marketplace, it is an excellent place to pilot and scale such services. The dynamic marketplace also allows for customization based on target demographics according to the geographical sector. Suman predicts such a model will not only work in the country but will become a standard in the years to come.
