Category
Business
Keepsake Countdowns
Trend cluster
Category
Greying Gig
Economy
Neo-Boomers both want and need to keep working, but on their own terms.
2.7
Trend score
What's Happening
What is the Greying Gig Economy trend?
Greying Gig Economy: Though the gig economy is mostly associated with a younger consumer, high levels of Neo-Boomers and Gen XS are participating in this movement as well. Services, platforms and events support this growing trend.
Insight
The consumer insight behind the Greying Gig Economy trend
Although many in this age category are approaching retiring age, many experience a need to keep working for either financial or psychological reasons. That said, for many, flexibility, freedom and empowerment are the cornerstones that form the foundation of the gig economy. These values hold true for older demographics who are equal participants in the social shift towards entrepreneurship and autonomous working.
Trend themes
Themes within the Greying Gig Economy trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Boomer Entrepreneurship
Baby Boomers are increasingly participating in the gig economy and entrepreneurial activities, driven by values of flexibility, freedom and empowerment.
02
Older Gig Workers
More companies are catering to the needs and desires of older gig workers, offering opportunities for short-term, contract work that leverage the experience of retirees.
03
Boomer Health & Wellness Coaching
Businesses are offering tailored health and wellness coaching services to baby boomers who seek to find harmony in their personal and professional lives.
Industry implications
What the Greying Gig Economy trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Gig Economy Platforms
Gig economy platforms can create a more inclusive community by catering to the needs of older gig workers by offering shorter-term, contract work opportunities.
For
Event Planning
There are opportunities to plan or host entrepreneurial events or networking opportunities that are catered towards baby boomers and retirees looking to start their own business or find work in the gig economy.
For
Personal Development Coaching
There is a growing need for businesses to offer personalised health and wellness coaching services to older adults who seek to find balance and harmony in their personal and professional lives.
Workshop question
How could you better maximize the experience and enthusiasm of older employees on your team?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Greying Gig Economy
Trend score 2.7 out of 10, from popularity 47%, activity 27%, freshness 8%.
Popularity47%
Activity27%
Freshness8%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha (not a primary audience)
- Gen Z (not a primary audience)
- Millennial (not a primary audience)
- Gen X
- Boomer
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Evidence
Examples of the Greying Gig Economy trend
5 featured examples from Jul 15 to Jul 16, 2019CategorySpecial
Boomer-Honouring Hiring Policies
For His Bar-Restaurant, Kim Diaz Puts Emphasis on Older Staff
The restaurant industry can benefit from hiring older staff who can bring exceptional customer service, work ethic, and professionalism to the team.
CategoryLife-Stages
Entrepreneurial Networking Events
Bay Area Residents Can Take Part in These Boomer-Focused Events
Opportunity for event planning companies to organize boomer-focused entrepreneurial networking events.
CategoryLife-Stages
Boomer-Backed Lifestyle Coaching
Linda Clay Began Her Business in Her 60s After She Was Laid Off
Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the wellness industry by offering personalized coaching services and resources to help individuals achieve work-life balance.
CategoryBusiness
Budding Boomer Ghostwriters
Judy Katz's Retirement Has Been Translated to a Successful Ghostwriter
Publishing companies can tap into the boomer ghostwriter trend by offering opportunities and platforms for experienced professionals to showcase their writing skills.
CategoryLife-Stages
Boomer Gig Economy Programs
BoomersPlus Pairs Retirees with Businesses Looking to Hire
The human resources industry can take advantage of the retiree employment trend by developing initiatives to attract skilled and experienced retirees.
