Online work via platforms offers many workers around the world access to the labour market. For workers, the world is a potential source of employment, but also a competitor. The extent to which this is an opportunity or a threat depends on the uniqueness of your skills and the skills needed for the job, the balance between supply and demand and, of course, where you live on the globe. When you live in an area where the cost of living is high, you are at a disadvantage compared to those with similar skills living in an area where the cost of living is low. The market around online work is creating a truly global job market. With all the opportunities and challenges that come with it.
To learn more about the dynamics of a global labour market, I had a conversation with Floor van Haaren: co-founder of Cocoroco. International companies looking for customer service professionals get in touch with candidates from all over the world via Cocoroco's platform. Once they find a suitable person, they start working for the organisation remotely.