EP 1 - Insider’s Reporter Tyler Sonnemaker: Understanding Gig Economy Workers

The gig economy is diverse and so are gig workers. 

Although their needs, background, experiences and the industries they work in can vary, there is one common thread that unites them: uncertainty.

On this first episode of Building the Independent Economy podcast, we sat down with Tyler Sonnemaker, who does an amazing job covering the gig economy, labor and workforce issues at Business Insider. 

He is an expert on technology, labor policy, rideshare, delivery, contract/gig workers, workplace discrimination and harassment; and companies such as Airbnb, Amazon, DoorDash, Facebook, Google, GrubHub, Instacart, Lyft, Postmates, Shipt, and Uber.

Are you looking to better understand independent workers’ needs and expectations? Then this episode is a great start! 

Topics discussed:

• How Tyler ended up covering the gig economy
• What makes independent workers unique and what unites them
• Gig economy trends and predictions for next year.
• California Assembly Bill 5 (AB5) and how it’s playing out in different industries.
• Advice to companies that work with gig workers.
• The importance of research to understand gig workers’ issues and whether a solution can help them or not.
• What opportunities startups or the apps that pay independent workers have to better serve them.