There is a new kid in town called the Gig, and they are taking over the workplace.
It's the new name for Generation Y, who are embracing the "I'm only here for a short gig," concept.
![New world: No permanent desks, just ABWs (activity based working) environments.](/web/20161016234934im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/0/n/j/m/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gs0m0v.png/1476255493260.jpg)
For baby boomers, it's another word for the casualisation of the workforce, where employers are allowing more staff to work from home on a part-time basis.
In the latest Avdiev remuneration survey, it shows that pay packets are as flexible as staff working hours. It seems sitting at a desk, as a form of "presenteeism" is well and truly on the way out.
The survey of property, investment, development and construction employers and built environment related consulting groups say 93 per cent of companies responding to the Avdiev Survey reported good and stable business conditions.
But for 7 per cent – from a range of property-related jobs – conditions have deteriorated, with none reported in March 2016.
Managing director of the Avdiev Group, Rita Avdiev, said short-term "gigs" were a guilt-free opportunity to meet Gen Y property professionals' need for rapid career change.
"The property industry is still doing well," she said. "But significant shifts are emerging in hiring and remuneration practices. The winners are the young, flighty Gen Y with non-routine cognitive skills, as identified by RBA research, and fresh ideas in jobs requiring thought and initiative."
According to the RBA research, as of last month, contributors reported the percentage of their workforce employed on a casual basis was 5 per cent of senior staff (median finding), 14.3 per cent of mid-level staff (the highest in one company was 50 per cent) and 15.2 per cent of junior staff (the highest reported was 100 per cent).
The move towards a greater casualisation of staff was most often cited as due to the need to employ staff as when they are required (40 per cent response) and to a lesser degree, as a means of reducing the payroll during lean times (7 per cent response).
"The Gig Economy has arrived with 30 per cent of employers now accepting the reality of the short-term nature of employment and signal intentions to employ more staff as casuals," Ms Avdiev said.
"Remuneration rises have been highest in these market sectors, where conceptual, personal and interactive skills are seen to be a business advantage. Casualisation of the workforce enables companies to refresh skill sets and entrenched attitudes to work practices and conditions."
This has been reflected in the pay rises across most market sectors, with the exception of the property investment and funds management sector where remuneration increases have remained subdued. Even the major real estate investment trusts have been reported as being in modest uplift mode, in contrast with previous years.
The median annual pay rise of 3 per cent across all property, investment and construction markets and the built environment consultants has not varied since last year.
Forecasts for the next pay reviews are a steady 3 per cent overall, but built environment consultants – architects, designers, project managers and other property positions where creativity and thinking skills are required – are expecting rises of 4 per cent to 5 per cent.