The Gig Economy in Singapore: Trends and Opportunities 2025

As you navigate Singapore's evolving job market, the gig economy plays an increasingly pivotal role. By 2025, flexible work arrangements are projected to reshape industries across the island nation. From food and beverage to retail, warehousing, and events, businesses are embracing the benefits of on-demand talent. This shift offers unprecedented opportunities to diversify your income streams and gain valuable experience. In this article, you'll explore the latest trends in Singapore's gig economy, understand why companies are opting for flexible workers over permanent part-time staff, and discover how you can position yourself for success in this dynamic landscape.

What is the Gig Economy?

The gig economy in Singapore is a labour market characterized by short-term contracts, freelance work, and flexible employment arrangements. This evolving landscape connects service providers with consumers on an on-demand basis, facilitating a wide range of temporary and project-based work opportunities.

Defining Features and Benefits

At its core, the gig economy involves freelance and side-hustle work, allowing individuals to engage in multiple jobs or projects simultaneously. According to a recent study,  FastGig has seen a significant rise in interested gig workers, with close to a 20% year-on-year increase in new installs between 2023 and 2024 and 13% application growth year-on-year in 2024. The gig economy offers flexibility and autonomy for workers while providing businesses access to a diverse talent pool without long-term commitments.

  Non-permanent Employment is on the rise in Singapore

The gig economy in Singapore is characterised by short-term contracts and freelance work, offering flexibility for both workers and businesses.  In 2022, Singapore had 88,400 platform workers, comprising 3.6% of the labour force—a 21% increase from 2021’s 73,200 workers (3.1%).  Recognising the growing pool of gig workers and the challenges of income instability and lack of traditional employment benefits brought by the gig economy, Singapore has implemented legal protections for gig workers through the Platform Workers Bill, which came into effect in 2025. Platform workers - cabbies, private-hire drivers and freelance delivery workers will be covered under the Platform Workers Bill. 

Worker Protections and Benefits

Under the new regulations, platform companies are required to:

• Make mandatory Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions
• Provide workplace injury compensation insurance
• Allow workers to form or join unions

These measures aim to enhance financial security and working conditions for gig workers while maintaining the flexibility that defines the sector. 

Great news for our giggers and employers! While FastGig isn’t affected by the Platform Workers Bill, we’re proud to have already been providing workplace injury insurance. And here’s the best part—you, as a gig worker, could enjoy a higher take-home income with FastGig even after the bill takes effect! For employers, we've got you covered when you hire flexible workers through FastGig Platform. 

Earnings and Opportunities

Average hourly earnings for gig workers vary across sectors such as retail, F&B, and healthcare from averaging $12-16 subject to demand and seasonality. The gig economy continues to grow in Singapore, companies need to build more agile workforces to ensure operational efficiency and meet the workforce demand of a more flexible work arrangement. 

The Gig Economy in Industries Like F&B, Retail, Warehousing, and Events

Revolutionising Traditional Employment Models

The gig economy in Singapore is transforming various sectors, offering unprecedented flexibility and scalability. In the food delivery landscape, gig economy drivers have become essential, connecting restaurants with customers through platforms like Deliveroo and Uber Eats. This model benefits both carriers and retailers by providing on-demand workforce solutions.

Reshaping Event Planning and Warehousing

The events industry is experiencing a significant shift, with skilled freelancers in high demand for roles such as coordinators and technical support. This trend allows for more agile event management and cost-effective staffing solutions. Similarly, the warehousing sector is adopting the Workforce-as-a-Service (WaaS) model, revolutionising outdated hiring methods. This approach enables businesses to scale their workforce based on fluctuating demands, enhancing operational efficiency.

Challenges and Opportunities in Retail

While the gig economy offers numerous benefits, it also presents challenges, such as worker classification and job security concerns. However, the projected growth of Singapore's retail market to USD 50.27 billion by 2034 suggests ample opportunities for gig workers across these industries, potentially reshaping Singapore's employment landscape.

Conclusion

As you look ahead to 2025, the gig economy in Singapore is poised for continued growth across multiple industries. By embracing flexible work arrangements, your business can tap into a talented pool of on-demand workers while reducing overhead costs. Whether you operate in F&B, retail, warehousing, or events, gig workers offer adaptability to meet fluctuating demands. As more Singaporeans seek work-life balance and supplemental income, the gig economy provides mutually beneficial opportunities. To stay competitive, consider how your company can leverage this trend. With careful planning and management, integrating gig workers can enhance your operational efficiency and bottom line in the evolving Singapore job market.