HUMAN RESOURCE STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING GIG WORKERS IN MSMES: ENHANCING ENGAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/j2fsw062Keywords:
Gig Economy, Hrm Practices, Msmes, Employee Engagement Organizational Commitment, Workforce ManagementAbstract
The rapid expansion of the gig economy has significantly transformed traditional employment relationships, compelling Micro Small and Medium Enterprises MSMEs to reconsider conventional Human Resource Management HRM practices. This study explores effective HR strategies for managing gig workers within MSMEs in Pune with a specific focus on enhancing employee engagement and organizational commitment. The gig workforce characterized by flexibility autonomy and project-based work arrangements presents both opportunities and challenges for organizations operating under resource constraints. While gig workers enable MSMEs to achieve cost efficiency and operational agility they also introduce complexities related to job insecurity lack of integration cultural misalignment and limited organizational attachment. This paper adopts a conceptual research design based on an extensive review of secondary data including peer-reviewed journal articles industry reports and academic publications. The study identifies critical HR challenges associated with gig workforce management and proposes adaptive HRM strategies such as flexible work policies competitive compensation recognition systems digital engagement tools and inclusive organizational culture. The findings suggest that MSMEs must transition from traditional HR models to dynamic people-centric approaches that emphasize engagement communication and continuous development. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on gig economy and HRM by offering practical insights for MSMEs aiming to balance flexibility with workforce stability. It concludes that effective implementation of innovative HR strategies can transform gig workers from transactional contributors into engaged stakeholders thereby enhancing organizational performance and sustainability
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Copyright (c) 2026 Jaina Pramod Georgekutty, Manish Kumar (Author)
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