{"id":364,"date":"2026-09-02T14:19:20","date_gmt":"2026-09-02T18:19:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.web.umflint.edu\/ist\/research-brief-flexibility-and-security-gig-worker-needs-and-aspirations-in-flint-and-genesee-county\/"},"modified":"2026-09-02T17:39:14","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T21:39:14","slug":"research-brief-gig-workers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/research-and-data-collection\/research-brief-gig-workers\/","title":{"rendered":"Research Brief | Flexibility and Security"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center fb-columns-page-header is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-0e47273b wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-global-padding is-content-justification-right is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-951621a4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\">\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-xx-large-font-size\">Flexibility and Security:<br>Gig Worker Needs and Aspirations in Flint and Genesee County<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Research Brief | August 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>University of Michigan-Flint, Institute for Society and Technology<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Michigan Metro Area Communities Study<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\" data-leading-icon=\"download\"><a data-leading-icon=\"download\" class=\"wp-block-button__link has-brand-maize-background-color has-background wp-element-button fb-button-has-icon\" 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rides a bicycle on a city street, carrying a large delivery bag on their back, with blurred pedestrians in the background.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/08\/960px-Food_Delivery_Service.jpg\" style=\"object-position:61% 52%\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" data-object-position=\"61% 52%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/08\/960px-Food_Delivery_Service.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/08\/960px-Food_Delivery_Service-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/08\/960px-Food_Delivery_Service-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-0 has-background-dim\" style=\"background-color:#436097\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-0e47273b wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\"><nav class=\"is-responsive is-vertical is-style-sidebar is-style-sidebar--1 wp-block-navigation is-layout-flex wp-container-core-navigation-is-layout-bd946717 wp-block-navigation-is-layout-flex\" aria-label=\"Sidebar Navigation\" \n\t\t data-wp-interactive=\"core\/navigation\" data-wp-context='{\"overlayOpenedBy\":{\"click\":false,\"hover\":false,\"focus\":false},\"type\":\"overlay\",\"roleAttribute\":\"\",\"ariaLabel\":\"Menu\"}'><button 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height=\"181\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/08\/FLINT_IST_mktg-scaled.png\" alt=\"Institute for Society &amp; Technology marketing logo\" class=\"wp-image-93\" style=\"width:auto;height:75px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/08\/FLINT_IST_mktg-scaled.png 2560w, https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/08\/FLINT_IST_mktg-300x21.png 300w, https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/08\/FLINT_IST_mktg-1024x73.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/08\/FLINT_IST_mktg-768x54.png 768w, https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/08\/FLINT_IST_mktg-1536x109.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/08\/FLINT_IST_mktg-2048x145.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1310\" height=\"148\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/08\/MIMACS-acronym.png\" alt=\"MIMACS (Michigan Metro Area Communities Study) University of Michigan logo.\" class=\"wp-image-100\" style=\"width:auto;height:75px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/08\/MIMACS-acronym.png 1310w, https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/08\/MIMACS-acronym-300x34.png 300w, https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/08\/MIMACS-acronym-1024x116.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/08\/MIMACS-acronym-768x87.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1310px) 100vw, 1310px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Key Findings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>46% of respondents said gig work is important or essential to meeting their basic needs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Only 8% of respondents believe they are part of the gig economy, but roughly 22% had engaged in gig work.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gig workers are nearly twice as likely (48%) as non-gig workers (23%) to report a desire to go back to school for additional training.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">About This Research<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This report is based on research conducted by the Institute for Society and Technology (IST) and partners at the Michigan Metro Area Communities Study (MIMACS). The Flint and Genesee County survey was conducted between March 3, 2026, and May 26, 2026. The survey reflects the views of a representative sample of 1,021 respondents from Genesee County. Respondents, both gig- and non-gig workers, provided their opinions on employment, experiences with gig work, education and training, fairness and economic inequality, digital accessibility, demographics, and economic beliefs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This research is among the first representative surveys of this growing segment of the labor market. More than one in five residents (22%) have engaged in gig work, yet relatively little is known about their reasons for entering the gig economy, their economic struggles, and their interest in future educational or training opportunities. Flint\u2019s decades-long decline in manufacturing employment makes it an instructive case for understanding how gig work is reshaping traditional labor markets and how app-based employment intersects with residents\u2019 broader labor market experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cGig workers\u201d were defined as respondents who had ever earned income through app- or platform-based activities, including: driving for ride-hailing apps such as Lyft or Uber; shopping for or delivering groceries or other items through platforms such as Amazon Flex or Instacart; performing household tasks through an app such as TaskRabbit or Angi, delivering restaurant orders through DoorDash or UberEats; performing survey work or online tasks through apps such as Amazon Mechanical Turk; providing care for family members or pets through platforms such as Rover or Care.com; or undertaking freelance or contract work through platforms such as Upwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Platform and app-based work reflects a significant and growing segment of the labor market in Michigan and across the United States.<sup data-fn=\"8a613db0-9dbb-421d-9827-24a168039c3d\" class=\"fn\"><a href=\"#8a613db0-9dbb-421d-9827-24a168039c3d\" id=\"8a613db0-9dbb-421d-9827-24a168039c3d-link\">1<\/a><\/sup> <sup data-fn=\"5d6ea69c-9950-4d94-9ddc-add0413d6afe\" class=\"fn\"><a href=\"#5d6ea69c-9950-4d94-9ddc-add0413d6afe\" id=\"5d6ea69c-9950-4d94-9ddc-add0413d6afe-link\">2<\/a><\/sup> Many residents engage in gig work to meet basic needs, while others do so to earn discretionary income. This report finds that gig workers express satisfaction with the flexibility of platform and app-based work, but many are concerned about pay, transparency, benefits, and protections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overall, gig workers view their experience in the gig economy as broadly positive. Among those who earned income through the gig economy over the last year, more than two-thirds (67%) felt very or somewhat positive about the experience. Still, more than four in ten gig workers were dissatisfied with the pay they received per job, while nearly half (46%) said that gig work was essential or important to meeting their basic needs, suggesting that many gig workers may be economically precarious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Gig Workers Are Diverse and Do More Than Ride-Hailing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-full\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"425\" height=\"312\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/08\/2026-IST-Research-Brief-Flexibility-and-Security-Gig-Worker-Needs-and-Aspirations-in-Flint-and-Genesee-County-Fig1.png\" alt=\"Bar chart showing the most common forms of gig work: Delivery for restaurants (10%), Grocery\/household shopping (7%), Online surveys\/tasks (6%), Household tasks (3%), Freelance\/contract (3%), Ride-hailing (2%), Care work (2%), Other (7%).\" class=\"wp-image-75\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/08\/2026-IST-Research-Brief-Flexibility-and-Security-Gig-Worker-Needs-and-Aspirations-in-Flint-and-Genesee-County-Fig1.png 425w, https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/08\/2026-IST-Research-Brief-Flexibility-and-Security-Gig-Worker-Needs-and-Aspirations-in-Flint-and-Genesee-County-Fig1-300x220.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 425px) 100vw, 425px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><sup data-fn=\"6c655a5c-9be0-4057-894e-464c0d26ac76\" class=\"fn\"><a href=\"#6c655a5c-9be0-4057-894e-464c0d26ac76\" id=\"6c655a5c-9be0-4057-894e-464c0d26ac76-link\">3<\/a><\/sup><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While only 8% of respondents believed they were part of the \u201cgig economy,\u201d a far greater number had ever earned income from gig-work platforms. Overall, 220 respondents (roughly 22%) had engaged in gig work. This suggests that many respondents who have worked in the gig economy do not see themselves as \u201cgig workers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gig workers are diverse in terms of their educational trajectories. Nearly 60% of gig workers have education or training beyond high school. More than one in five (22%) have a bachelor\u2019s or master\u2019s degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Among all respondents, the most common forms of work were restaurant delivery and grocery or other household shopping delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Gig Workers Report Broadly Positive Experiences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Overall, gig workers viewed their experiences positively. More than two-thirds (68%) evaluated their experiences as very or somewhat positive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Only one in eight (12%) described their experience as very or somewhat negative.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-full\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"295\" height=\"339\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/08\/2026-IST-Research-Brief-Flexibility-and-Security-Gig-Worker-Needs-and-Aspirations-in-Flint-and-Genesee-County-Fig2.png\" alt=\"A pie chart titled &quot;Gig Income and Basic Needs&quot; showing three segments: 53% &quot;Nice to have,&quot; 29% &quot;Essential,&quot; and 17% &quot;Important but not essential.&quot;\" class=\"wp-image-74\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/08\/2026-IST-Research-Brief-Flexibility-and-Security-Gig-Worker-Needs-and-Aspirations-in-Flint-and-Genesee-County-Fig2.png 295w, https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/08\/2026-IST-Research-Brief-Flexibility-and-Security-Gig-Worker-Needs-and-Aspirations-in-Flint-and-Genesee-County-Fig2-261x300.png 261w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 295px) 100vw, 295px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><sup data-fn=\"0946546b-e950-497b-bb35-808e9e9f4df9\" class=\"fn\"><a href=\"#0946546b-e950-497b-bb35-808e9e9f4df9\" id=\"0946546b-e950-497b-bb35-808e9e9f4df9-link\">4<\/a><\/sup><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">For Many, Extra Income Helps Meet Basic Needs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gig workers were divided on the importance of gig work in making ends meet. A majority (53%) viewed gig work income as \u201cnice to have\u201d; a supplement to traditional employment rather than as a replacement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Few gig workers (6%) left another job or reduced their hours when they entered the gig economy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>However, a significant minority (46%) of gig workers reported that gig work was important or essential, suggesting it may be supplemental rather than optional.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Gig Workers Are Concerned About Pay, Fairness, and Algorithms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-full\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"406\" height=\"294\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/08\/2026-IST-Research-Brief-Flexibility-and-Security-Gig-Worker-Needs-and-Aspirations-in-Flint-and-Genesee-County-Fig3.png\" alt=\"Bar chart showing gig worker concerns, with percentages for &quot;Very Concerned&quot; and &quot;Somewhat Concerned&quot; on various issues.\" class=\"wp-image-77\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/08\/2026-IST-Research-Brief-Flexibility-and-Security-Gig-Worker-Needs-and-Aspirations-in-Flint-and-Genesee-County-Fig3.png 406w, https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/08\/2026-IST-Research-Brief-Flexibility-and-Security-Gig-Worker-Needs-and-Aspirations-in-Flint-and-Genesee-County-Fig3-300x217.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 406px) 100vw, 406px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><sup data-fn=\"8872b898-9791-48e4-a0fe-ab9f86a6c4c6\" class=\"fn\"><a href=\"#8872b898-9791-48e4-a0fe-ab9f86a6c4c6\" id=\"8872b898-9791-48e4-a0fe-ab9f86a6c4c6-link\">5<\/a><\/sup><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Although gig workers report broadly positive experiences, pay remains a critical concern. Overall, nearly half (44%) expressed dissatisfaction with the amount paid for each job. Around one in three (33%) were satisfied.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Half of gig workers (50%) were concerned about being denied expected or fair compensation, and nearly half (48%) reported concern about unfair complaints. User complaints are often a decisive factor in visibility algorithms, and half (50%) of gig workers felt concerned with throttling or shadow banning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gig worker concerns about pay transparency are mixed. While six in ten (62%) said that it was somewhat or very clear how they were paid, nearly four in ten (38%) believed it was not sufficiently clear.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Dissatisfaction With Pay Did Not Necessarily Result in Dissatisfaction With Gig Companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-full\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"423\" height=\"359\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/08\/2026-IST-Research-Brief-Flexibility-and-Security-Gig-Worker-Needs-and-Aspirations-in-Flint-and-Genesee-County-Fig4.png\" alt=\"Bar chart showing satisfaction levels with gig companies across five categories: Amount paid, Amount of work, Quality of work, Protection of property, and Safety and well-being, with percentages for dissatisfied and satisfied respondents.\" class=\"wp-image-79\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/08\/2026-IST-Research-Brief-Flexibility-and-Security-Gig-Worker-Needs-and-Aspirations-in-Flint-and-Genesee-County-Fig4.png 423w, https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/08\/2026-IST-Research-Brief-Flexibility-and-Security-Gig-Worker-Needs-and-Aspirations-in-Flint-and-Genesee-County-Fig4-300x255.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 423px) 100vw, 423px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><sup data-fn=\"7ee205de-927a-4bf3-b54b-9acac4547c98\" class=\"fn\"><a href=\"#7ee205de-927a-4bf3-b54b-9acac4547c98\" id=\"7ee205de-927a-4bf3-b54b-9acac4547c98-link\">6<\/a><\/sup><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gig workers felt more satisfied than dissatisfied with the amount and quality of the work they were offered.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Respondents were more divided in their views on gig companies\u2019 role in the amount paid, with close to half (44%) reporting dissatisfaction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Benefits and Protections<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Among gig- and non-gig workers, support for additional benefits, security, and protections for gig workers was strong. More than half of respondents supported health care subsidies, paid sick leave, unemployment benefits, childcare support, retirement contributions, and a minimum earnings guarantee.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gig workers reported higher support for a minimum wage guarantee (70%) compared to non-gig workers (60%), and for a portable benefit that could be used across platforms (61% vs. 55%).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gig workers did not report greater support for health insurance subsidies, unemployment insurance, paid sick leave, retirement contributions, or childcare benefits than non-gig workers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">What Distinguishes Gig Workers?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-full\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"349\" height=\"395\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/08\/2026-IST-Research-Brief-Flexibility-and-Security-Gig-Worker-Needs-and-Aspirations-in-Flint-and-Genesee-County-Fig5.png\" alt=\"Bar graph showing major barriers to training or education for gig and non-gig workers, with cost as the highest barrier for both.\" class=\"wp-image-82\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/08\/2026-IST-Research-Brief-Flexibility-and-Security-Gig-Worker-Needs-and-Aspirations-in-Flint-and-Genesee-County-Fig5.png 349w, https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/123\/2026\/08\/2026-IST-Research-Brief-Flexibility-and-Security-Gig-Worker-Needs-and-Aspirations-in-Flint-and-Genesee-County-Fig5-265x300.png 265w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 349px) 100vw, 349px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><sup data-fn=\"ae84d171-dde4-4f03-9290-fefe02323798\" class=\"fn\"><a href=\"#ae84d171-dde4-4f03-9290-fefe02323798\" id=\"ae84d171-dde4-4f03-9290-fefe02323798-link\">7<\/a><\/sup><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cross-tabulations reveal key differences between gig and non- gig workers in educational priorities, attitudes toward flexible work, financial strain, and the value of gig work for earning extra income.<sup data-fn=\"c0688fd2-6968-4a6a-9c4d-5b84cb0c655b\" class=\"fn\"><a href=\"#c0688fd2-6968-4a6a-9c4d-5b84cb0c655b\" id=\"c0688fd2-6968-4a6a-9c4d-5b84cb0c655b-link\">8<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gig workers were nearly twice as likely (48%) as non- gig workers (23%) to report a desire to go back to school for additional training.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A larger share (90%) of gig workers believed that gig work was a way to earn extra money, compared with non-gig workers (74%).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nine in ten (90%) gig workers believed gig work was \u201cgreat for people who want flexible schedules,\u201d compared to two-thirds (68%) of non- gig workers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gig workers were more likely to report that cost, childcare, transportation, and scheduling were \u201cmajor barriers\u201d to obtaining additional training or education.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Demographics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gig workers were less likely than non-gig workers to earn more than $100,000 (21% vs. 31%).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gig workers were nearly twice as likely to identify as Hispanic (7.6% vs. 3.9%).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gig workers were less likely to have any post-secondary education (55% vs. 62%).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gig workers were more likely to be born outside the U.S. (5.3%) than non- gig workers (2.2%).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\" \/>\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-footnotes\"><li id=\"8a613db0-9dbb-421d-9827-24a168039c3d\"><sup>1<\/sup> Pew Research Center. <em>The State of Gig Work in 2021<\/em>. Available at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pewresearch.org\/internet\/2021\/12\/08\/the-state-of-gig-work-in-2021\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.pewresearch.org\/internet\/2021\/12\/08\/the-state-of-gig-work-in-2021\/<\/a> <a href=\"#8a613db0-9dbb-421d-9827-24a168039c3d-link\" aria-label=\"Jump to footnote reference 1\">\u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li><li id=\"5d6ea69c-9950-4d94-9ddc-add0413d6afe\"><sup>2<\/sup> Federal Reserve. <em>Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2024 &#8211; May 2025.<\/em> Available at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.federalreserve.gov\/publications\/2025-economic-well-being-of-us-households-in-2024-employment-and-gig-work.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.federalreserve.gov\/publications\/2025-economic-well-being-of-us-households-in-2024-employment-and-gig-work.htm<\/a> <a href=\"#5d6ea69c-9950-4d94-9ddc-add0413d6afe-link\" aria-label=\"Jump to footnote reference 2\">\u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li><li id=\"6c655a5c-9be0-4057-894e-464c0d26ac76\"><sup>3<\/sup> Fig. 1: &#8220;Please indicate whether you have ever earned money through gig work using each of the following mobile apps or websites&#8221; <a href=\"#6c655a5c-9be0-4057-894e-464c0d26ac76-link\" aria-label=\"Jump to footnote reference 3\">\u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li><li id=\"0946546b-e950-497b-bb35-808e9e9f4df9\"><sup>4 <\/sup>Fig. 2: &#8220;Which of the following statements best describes the income you have earned from gig work obtained through apps or websites over the past 12 months?&#8221; <a href=\"#0946546b-e950-497b-bb35-808e9e9f4df9-link\" aria-label=\"Jump to footnote reference 4\">\u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li><li id=\"8872b898-9791-48e4-a0fe-ab9f86a6c4c6\"><sup>5<\/sup> Fig 3: &#8220;How concerned are you about each of the following while doing gig work obtained through apps or websites?&#8221; <a href=\"#8872b898-9791-48e4-a0fe-ab9f86a6c4c6-link\" aria-label=\"Jump to footnote reference 5\">\u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li><li id=\"7ee205de-927a-4bf3-b54b-9acac4547c98\"><sup>6<\/sup> Fig. 4. &#8220;How satisfied are you with the way the companies that run the gig work apps or websites you have used have handled each of the following?&#8221; <a href=\"#7ee205de-927a-4bf3-b54b-9acac4547c98-link\" aria-label=\"Jump to footnote reference 6\">\u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li><li id=\"ae84d171-dde4-4f03-9290-fefe02323798\"><sup>7 <\/sup>Fig 5: &#8220;How much of a barrier, if any, is each of the following to your ability to pursue additional education or training?&#8221; <a href=\"#ae84d171-dde4-4f03-9290-fefe02323798-link\" aria-label=\"Jump to footnote reference 7\">\u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li><li id=\"c0688fd2-6968-4a6a-9c4d-5b84cb0c655b\"><sup>8<\/sup> Note on subgroup comparisons: Cross tabulations show important differences between gig and non-gig workers. However, because some subgroup sample sizes are small, these estimates suggest more uncertainty. They can be understood as suggestive of broader patterns but reflect a lower level of confidence. <a href=\"#c0688fd2-6968-4a6a-9c4d-5b84cb0c655b-link\" aria-label=\"Jump to footnote reference 8\">\u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Flexibility and Security:Gig Worker Needs and Aspirations in Flint and Genesee County Research Brief | August 2026 University of Michigan-Flint, Institute for Society and Technology University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Michigan Metro Area Communities Study Key Findings About This Research This report is based on research conducted by the Institute for Society and Technology (IST) and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":0,"parent":34,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"[{\"id\":\"8a613db0-9dbb-421d-9827-24a168039c3d\",\"content\":\"<sup>1<\\\/sup> Pew Research Center. <em>The State of Gig Work in 2021<\\\/em>. Available at <a href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/www.pewresearch.org\\\/internet\\\/2021\\\/12\\\/08\\\/the-state-of-gig-work-in-2021\\\/\\\" target=\\\"_blank\\\" rel=\\\"noreferrer noopener\\\">https:\\\/\\\/www.pewresearch.org\\\/internet\\\/2021\\\/12\\\/08\\\/the-state-of-gig-work-in-2021\\\/<\\\/a>\"},{\"id\":\"5d6ea69c-9950-4d94-9ddc-add0413d6afe\",\"content\":\"<sup>2<\\\/sup> Federal Reserve. <em>Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2024 - May 2025.<\\\/em> Available at <a href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/www.federalreserve.gov\\\/publications\\\/2025-economic-well-being-of-us-households-in-2024-employment-and-gig-work.htm\\\" target=\\\"_blank\\\" rel=\\\"noreferrer noopener\\\">https:\\\/\\\/www.federalreserve.gov\\\/publications\\\/2025-economic-well-being-of-us-households-in-2024-employment-and-gig-work.htm<\\\/a>\"},{\"id\":\"6c655a5c-9be0-4057-894e-464c0d26ac76\",\"content\":\"<sup>3<\\\/sup> Fig. 1: \\\"Please indicate whether you have ever earned money through gig work using each of the following mobile apps or websites\\\"\"},{\"id\":\"0946546b-e950-497b-bb35-808e9e9f4df9\",\"content\":\"<sup>4 <\\\/sup>Fig. 2: \\\"Which of the following statements best describes the income you have earned from gig work obtained through apps or websites over the past 12 months?\\\"\"},{\"id\":\"8872b898-9791-48e4-a0fe-ab9f86a6c4c6\",\"content\":\"<sup>5<\\\/sup> Fig 3: \\\"How concerned are you about each of the following while doing gig work obtained through apps or websites?\\\"\"},{\"id\":\"7ee205de-927a-4bf3-b54b-9acac4547c98\",\"content\":\"<sup>6<\\\/sup> Fig. 4. \\\"How satisfied are you with the way the companies that run the gig work apps or websites you have used have handled each of the following?\\\"\"},{\"id\":\"ae84d171-dde4-4f03-9290-fefe02323798\",\"content\":\"<sup>7 <\\\/sup>Fig 5: \\\"How much of a barrier, if any, is each of the following to your ability to pursue additional education or training?\\\"\"},{\"id\":\"c0688fd2-6968-4a6a-9c4d-5b84cb0c655b\",\"content\":\"<sup>8<\\\/sup> Note on subgroup comparisons: Cross tabulations show important differences between gig and non-gig workers. However, because some subgroup sample sizes are small, these estimates suggest more uncertainty. They can be understood as suggestive of broader patterns but reflect a lower level of confidence.\"}]"},"class_list":["post-364","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/364","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=364"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/364\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":388,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/364\/revisions\/388"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/34"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/ist\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=364"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}