3 Non-Negotiable Demands from a New Generation of India’s Frontline Blue-Collar Workforce

There is a gradual shift in the workforce demographics of India. The young Gen Z and millennial blue-collar workers prefer workplace flexibility, preferring a part-time work schedule.

This has been one of the biggest reasons behind the emergence of the gig economy, which is expected to expand to $455 billion by 2024. In the country, the gig economy is largely defined by workers employed by e-commerce firms, food aggregators, and delivery-dependent companies.

With a strong inclination toward online commerce, this sector is one of the largest recruiters of blue-collar workers. These workers demand their salaries along with employee benefits and compensation.

Then there is the migrant workforce returning to their workplaces post-pandemic with huge scepticism and life struggles. Almost 90% of migrants in 2020 faced loss of pay or salary reductions. The ILO has estimated a decline of 22.6% in their wages, post-lockdown.

In light of persisting problems and unforeseen crises such as the ongoing pandemic, certain frontline blue-collar workforce expectations have come into the picture.

1. Employee Benefits

Businesses can’t afford to delay the process of providing employee benefits and adequate compensation to frontline workers. They are working daily at a huge risk to their overall health, which their salaries won’t cover.

Financial relief in form of life insurance, and health benefits will support the workforce. Companies can improve their lifestyle to enable better productivity in the workplace, and also ensure retention.

2. Financial Wellness

To ensure long-term financial security and stability, employers need to consider various types of insurance for frontline workers. Apart from an adequate life cover, health insurance is a priority for people in post-pandemic India.

Demand for health insurance soared above 90% YoY between November and December 2021, in both large and small cities. Corporate group health cover also increased 174% in the period. This shows that more companies are taking steps to ensure the well-being of their workers.

Apart from life and health insurance, employers need to ensure compensation and benefits for employees in the event of injuries at the workplace. The Workmen’s Compensation Act 1923 ensures that labourers are provided stipulated compensation if they meet with an accident at the workplace which results in disability or death.

Employers across different sectors, which employ more than 20 workers, come under the purview of this act.

3. Safe and Economical Transportation

Electrification of the last-mile delivery workforce in India is a prime target for India Inc. This is important for ensuring that the country reaches its climate change goals as per the Paris Agreement.

With a highly favourable policy environment in regards to electric vehicles, companies have a great chance to ensure their workers have access to economical and safe transportation. Electric bikes are easier to maintain and have lesser issues than fuel-based counterparts.

But owning e-bikes can be a costly affair, which is why rentals are easy ways to pass on benefits to employees. They can provide a smooth riding experience for workers and an economic way to commute to their workplace. Moreover, they can also lessen the risk of Covid-19 transmission, which is higher in public transport.

This translates into huge savings for companies in terms of fuel costs. The eco-friendly options further the sustainability agenda, helping companies reduce their carbon footprint.

Building a green fleet could also be a strong factor in attracting skilled workers. Research shows that over 83% of young people in India would take the environmental impact of the company or sector into account while seeking a job.

The Next Generation Employee Benefits and Compensation

Demand for blue-collar workers is rising, as India strives to become a $5 trillion economy by 2025. India has a huge and vibrant young workforce that contributes to nation-building. Their demands are different from their predecessors when it comes to employee benefits and compensation.

BetterPlace equips companies to provide these benefits at scale, with an end-to-end technology solution. Companies can enhance their benefits package with top products and services that appeal to a distributed and diverse workforce. Contact us to learn more.