The gig economy is growing rapidly due to digital platforms. According to a Statista report, the number of Americans doing freelance or gig work will reach 90.1 million by 2028. This growth is no longer limited to ridesharing or food delivery; it’s seeping into skilled trades, including plumbing, HVAC, IT support, appliance repair, and other services critical to the FSM workforce.
How the FSM Workforce is Embracing the Gig Model
FSM platforms leverage the gig economy to connect businesses with on-demand field technicians. These platforms provide scalability, help reduce labor costs, and improve response times. In the past, FSM depended on in-house or contracted full-time technicians, which made scaling operations quite expensive. With the rise of gig platforms, companies can easily post jobs, receive bids, check out technician profiles, and assign tasks in no time.
Benefits of Gig-Based FSM
- Flexibility & Speed: Gig workers enable businesses to quickly adjust their workforce based on demand. During busy seasons, they can hire extra help on the fly.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Companies can save on overhead, training, and benefits. Upwork found that 60% of hiring managers reported saving money by using freelancers.
- Geographic Reach: With gig technicians available across various regions, businesses can reach remote or underserved areas without establishing new offices or infrastructure.
- 24/7 Availability: On-demand platforms make it easier to find workers even outside of regular hours, boosting response times and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Real-World Impact
For example, Sears Home Services used to depend on its in-house team, but now it’s turned to Field Nation to expand its repair services. This change helps Sears reduce service delays on hot summer days when HVAC systems tend to break down. Similarly, Honeywell uses WorkMarket to bring in certified technicians to install IoT devices.
A Workforce Redefined
This change revolutionizes the demographics of the FSM workforce. Younger, tech-savvy individuals are stepping into field service roles not as permanent employees but as freelance experts looking for flexibility.
Moreover, the gender gap is starting to close. With platforms that provide remote diagnostics and customer service, more women are entering FSM roles that have traditionally been male-dominated.
Technology as the Enabler
A suite of digital tools tailored to managing flexible field workforces is powering this change. AI-driven dispatch, mobile workforce apps, digital credentials, and GPS tracking are all helping to manage gig workers more effectively. Many companies offer FSM platforms combining gig scheduling, real-time communication, and customer satisfaction tracking, ensuring high-quality service even without a conventional team.
Conclusion
The gig economy has become a game-changer in Field Service Management. It allows companies to reduce costs and explore new markets while providing workers autonomy and variety. However, finding the right balance is crucial—merging flexibility with quality control and freedom with accountability. Ultimately, FSM companies that embrace technology while maintaining service quality will shape the future of this gig-driven model.
