Labor Shortage Persists in Vietnam's Gig Economy Despite High Earnings

In Vietnam, according to the domestic help service platform bTaskee, some registered workers can earn an average monthly income of approximately VND 33 million (around $1,300 USD). However, despite the continuous increase in customer requests, the company is struggling to recruit enough personnel to meet the demand. This situation is thought to reflect Vietnam's remarkable economic growth and the accompanying changes in the labor market. Especially in urban areas, economic development has led to an increase in the middle class, driving up demand for domestic help services. On the other hand, it is possible that workers seeking higher incomes in other professions or preferring flexible work arrangements are choosing options outside of domestic help services. Under its one-party system, Vietnam has prioritized economic growth and actively attracted foreign investment. As a result, the country has achieved rapid economic development, particularly in the manufacturing sector. However, this has also led to new challenges such as population concentration in urban areas and labor shortages. Securing human resources, especially in the service industry, appears to be a crucial factor for maintaining future economic growth. Furthermore, for Vietnam, which maintains complex relations with China while deepening economic ties, the stability of its domestic labor market is indispensable from the perspective of maintaining supply chains and international competitiveness. Labor shortages in areas closely related to daily life, such as domestic help services, could affect the overall service standards of society. Source: The Saigon Times