For whom telemigration will be a “win” and for whom it will be a “loss” depends on the national strategy. Entering the global market of online jobs mustn’t be ad hoc and left down to the resourcefulness of individuals
We don’t know precisely how many workers there are from Serbia who are doing online jobs for foreign employers and whether that number is growing significantly. Those people are mostly “invisible”. We are better informed when it comes to the profile of jobs being applied for. Interest is growing when it comes to providing some lower-paid services not requiring special qualifications, though the offer of jobs isn’t growing at the same pace. These are often translation and administrative services, online sales, web design etc. On the other hand, demand for well-paid, highly-qualified workers, such as designers, architects or managers, is stagnating and not much room exists for new workers. Even if we did happen to have them – in reality, we are losing our qualified workforce – there isn’t sufficient work available on online platforms for these people.
It is often said of telemigration, infinitely superficially, that it is a “win-win” situation that suits both employers and those performing jobs for them. For all those who lost their jobs or acceptable working conditions as a result of global online platforms, it is a big “loss”. For whom telemigration will be a “win” and for whom it will be a “loss” depends on the national strategy. Entering the global market of online jobs mustn’t be ad hoc and left down to the resourcefulness of individuals. We have to keep an eye on the fact that “platform workers” most often lack legal employment status, but also health and social insurance.
Demand for well-paid, highly-qualified workers, such as designers, architects or managers, is stagnating and not much room exists for new workers
It isn’t good for them all to be freelancers. Some sense of security must exist in employment, particularly with an employer that the worker has never had an opportunity to meet in person. A planned approach would certainly have to include various forms of support for all those who opt for this type of work. Platform workers require mentors, legal and business advisors, marketing experts etc. The competition is huge in that world of online “lackeys” and everyone has to build their own position and reputation. And few are able to solve that on their own. They need the help of the community if we want Serbian specialists to be recognised as reliable professionals who offer a high-quality service. If we want to offer low prices instead of quality, then we’ve already lost. This planet has many who are cheaper than us.
Telemigration cannot preserve a country’s workforce, but it can preserve its citizens. If there are no domestic online jobs able to rival those offered by foreign companies, then online workers are only here physically, while their entire careers, business plans and contacts reside elsewhere. Our companies must also join platforms and offer online jobs globally. The environment for platform work would thereby improve, and we would be rendered more visible as a market.
