The emergence of digital labour platforms is one of the most prominent transformations in the world of work during the past decade. The influence of microtask work platforms on the future of work will only grow stronger whether people are looking for additional earnings to boost their main income, develop a source of income through microtasking as a side hustle while juggling other responsibilities, or to compensate for the absence of longer-term employment opportunities. A global cost of living crisis has probably boosted the number of people involved. 

Let’s first confirm the nature of work this article covers. Microtasking platforms are a type of web-based labour platform that provide organisations with access to a large, flexible workforce “crowd” for the completion of small, often clerical tasks, that can be completed remotely using a computer and Internet connection.

These diverse tasks often include image identification, transcription and annotation; content moderation; data collection and processing; audio and video transcription; and translation work. Clients use the platforms to post bulk tasks that need completion. Generally, workers select tasks they can handle and are paid for each individual task or piece of work completed. The platforms pay the workers the price indicated by the client minus any fee. This can often be at rates of pay lower than the set minimum wage in a country, which is not very reassuring if this is to be part of the future of work. 

While digital labour platforms are a product of technological advances, the tasks on most platforms resemble old-time ‘piece work’ arrangements. Workers are deemed to be self-employed, and employers have no liabilities such as holiday or sick pay. It is in each platform’s best interest to maintain initial vetting and on-going mutual rating of employers and employees for both parties to feel a sense of trust and fairness in the process. We have said a lot about microtasking and we want to recommend one of such platforms to you and this is bnsgh.com . All you need is to create a free account and see for yourself.