Flexibility on the Factory Floor: Bridging the Barriers to the Benefits of Gig and Flexible Labor in U.S. Manufacturing

• In Event: SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT: General topics in supply chain management research

Abstract

U.S. manufacturing faces a structural labor shortage, with 600,000 jobs unfilled as of early 2024. This study examines one controllable means of addressing the labor shortage: gig workers. Interviews with executives revealed that the structural shortage may be driven by manufacturers’ traditional, full‐time labor requirements. Three dimensions of Gig Work in Manufacturing emerged from our grounded theory investigation: Benefits, Barriers, and Bridges. We contribute mid‐range theory, offering practical guidance for manufacturers to bridge the barriers to realize the benefits of sustainably leveraging gig workers in their labor force. The resulting flexibility provides manufacturers with defensive and offensive operational agility.

Authors

• Joshua Schumm, Texas State University

• Vaishnavi Ayyalasomayajula, Texas State University

• Zoe Schumm, Penn State Behrend

• Michael J Dwyer, Iowa State University