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This post was written by Galadriel Masterson and Kelley Quan, co-administrators of Think Tank, a group for freelancers in the commercial photography industry. Working with Freelancers Union, the members of Think Tank worked together to develop a safety protocol for workers in their industry, from hair and makeup to tech and props, and distribute it to major clients. If you’re concerned about safety on-set, download the full protocol here, and reach out to [email protected]. KQ: Somewhere around the beginning of March, I got the feeling that things in my world — commercial fashion and lifestyle photography — were in for a critical shift. Like many of my colleagues, I was afraid of what the COVID-19 future held and was trying my best to prepare. As a freelance hair and makeup artist for the past 28 years, I had experienced some crisis times in New York City for sure — 9/11, the 2008 market crash, just to name a few. But nothing prepared me for what happened after March 15. After the shutdown, everything came to a screeching halt, I had an empty calendar for the first time in decades, and the industry evaporated overnight. I found myself smack in the middle of limbo-land with nowhere to go and loads of questions I needed answers for. Around this time, my friend and colleague Galadriel Masterson launched a Facebook group called Think Tank. There, we were able to ask each other industry-related questions like job ideas for our hiatus away from our real jobs and savvy ways to hang on to the money we still had. Very quickly, it started to expand from there. GM: Think Tank was born as a form of crisis management for the freelance artists in the fashion photo world following the concept of United We Stand, Divided We Fall. Just a few days after the shutdown, I very quickly built a private Facebook page for my fellow freelancers in the commercial fashion photography industry. The day I created the page, gig workers had not yet been approved for unemployment. Honestly, I thought we would use the page just as a way to guide each other to create income during the shutdown..."Hey guys, such-and-such needs customer service reps to work from home, $25/hr." Within a week, gig workers were approved for unemployment. And that's when the support and camaraderie of Think Tank went into fifth gear. Navigating the unemployment application as a self-employed person brought many a freelancer to tears. Individuals could post their roadblocks or questions on Think Tank, and by the end of the day, 5-20 other freelancers who had already been through the exact issue would offer tips and support. Our industry can be a bit competitive. We may posture and pose to be doing better than we are and we may hold our client contact info as close as we do our PIN codes, but the shutdown happened to every single one of us in the fashion photo world. Regardless whether you were a huge earner at the top of their game or an assistant just starting out, we all needed the same thing: guidance and support to keep a roof over our heads and food on our plates. I am so proud of the freelancers in my industry for coming together as a support network. KQ: It’s typically hard for creatives to open up to other creatives. Competitive doesn’t even cover it — to be open, candid, and vulnerable is not common. This was the first time I felt the veil had been lifted. I felt like I was seeing some of my colleagues for the first time, and I realized that no matter where any of us were on the spectrum, we were all in this together. For many, I think it gave a sense of purpose, to supply and receive critical, time-sensitive information and help each other out. We had a shared goal. This was when I realized the potential of advocacy, and the powerful tool it could be to bring change to areas that need it most. Think Tank lit the torch that helped light the ways to best support our community. When Galadriel asked me if I would be a co-administrator of Think Tank, there was no hesitation. It was work, but it was for a common good for our community. By late April, we’d all heard rumblings about shoots starting up again, and that opened a floodgate of concern from our members. We’d each received so many COVID-19 safety protocols, none of which felt like they really protected everyone on set. So we decided to gather raw data from our members, asking them to submit their ideas for best practices in their segment of the industry. The members of Think Tank collectively created a document that was cohesive and realistic, one that would help make the workplace a safe space and would be easy and clear for our clients, as well as artists. GM: Social distancing is never a possibility in our industry. We realized our clients were burdened as they rebuild their businesses after the shutdowns, and we recognized that a CEO just wouldn't be able to guess what a makeup artist needs to stay safe. In fact, in gathering recommendations from Think Tank members, I realized I don't know what any of my fellow artists need outside of the areas I work in. For example, my friends who do hair had to explain that you can't work while wearing gloves — it would be like rubbing a balloon on the model’s hair! KQ: Creating our own advocacy and partnering with Freelancers Union opened up several new conversations for a group that typically has very little benefits or protections. Galadriel met several legal reps and affiliation presidents to see if unionizing was a possibility. As independent contractors, we don’t qualify for this; unions are typically formed by employees (W2), whereas the artists you meet on set of commercial photo jobs are self-employed, gig workers (1099). However, we discovered it may be possible to form an association or alliance under the umbrella of an existing union, and that’s something we are currently looking more closely at. Upon creating the safety protocol, we were able to partner with Freelancers Union and their support team was able to circulate that valuable doc to our community. This guide was created to help our clients better understand what we all can do to stay health and safe on set. I’ve done quite a few shoots since New York entered phase four of reopening. I have been really pleased with how clients have responded to the challenges and feel that they have included me in the preproduction conversation much more than they did before COVID-19. They ask about the needs of the beauty department and want to make sure we are all comfortable and, above all, feel safe. Many were aware of the safety protocol created by the Think Tank members and asked me directly to clarify specific details as it related to their production. I found all of these conversations really encouraging, and it's my hope, as we all become more comfortable with this new way of working, that we continue to support one another, be it as a client or creative. After all, we all are in this together! via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2020/08/31/how-freelancers-are-making-commercial-photography-safer-by-joining-together/
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First Things FirstAnyone else start watching Cobra Kai on Netflix this past weekend? Man, what a delightful piece of nostalgia that was/is. I’m only two episodes in, but all it took was 20 seconds for me to have the widest smile on my face I could possibly have. My wife wanted nothing to do with it, but she heard the music, the dialogue, and me laughing out loud numerous times and at one point yelled from the other side of the apartment… …”do you have a boner right now or what?” My wife is cool. Anyway, now if only someone would remake Airwolf???? Strength Chat PodcastI had the pleasure of being invited back onto the Strength Chat Podcast hosted by Steven Cuthbert. Steven has a very conversational style with his interviews which I thoroughly enjoy and in this episode we discuss the effects of COVID-19 in the industry and how I feel gyms and trainers will need to adapt moving forward. You can listen to the episode on Spotify HERE. You can listen to the episode on iTunes HERE. Or, if you prefer to watch the action instead you can do so via the the YouTube link below. Enjoy! Did what you just read make your day? Ruin it? Either way, you should share it with your friends and/or comment below.via Blog – Tony Gentilcore http://tonygentilcore.com/2020/08/appearance-on-the-strength-chat-podcast/
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THE WEEKLY BRIEF UPDATE1. #Achillesgate2020 Update I started doing standing calf-raises in rehab this week. That’s something. Onward! 2. You can now purchase CORE @ Home for whatever it is you want to pay. During quarantine I started a platform where I’d deliver 20-40 minute workouts that could be performed in everyone’s living room using minimal equipment. In all I curated 36 workouts using nothing but bodyweight, bands, and kettlebells and/or dumbbells. With many people still reticent to head back to their regular gyms (not to mention the scarcity of gym equipment out there to purchase) I figured this would be a nice opportunity to help. Whether you want to spend $1 or $100, the workouts are ready and available to start. For more information go HERE. SOCIAL MEDIA SHENANIGANS
STUFF TO READ WHILE YOU’RE PRETENDING TO WORKThe Ultimate Calorie, Portion, and Macro Calculator – Brian St. PierreThis was a massive, MASSIVE undertaking by Brian and the people at Precision Nutrition and it’s going to make everyone’s life much easier. 4 EMOM Challenged for Monsters – Lee BoyceIf you’re a bigger dude (or gal)…give these EMOM (Every Minute On the Minute) challenges a try. They make more sense. Which makes sense because Lee’s a sensical chap. Exercise and Nutrition for Every Stage of a Mother’s Journey, from Conception to Menopause and Beyond – Lou SchulerBOOKMARK THIS ARTICLE! Did what you just read make your day? Ruin it? Either way, you should share it with your friends and/or comment below.via Blog – Tony Gentilcore http://tonygentilcore.com/2020/08/stuff-to-read-while-youre-pretending-to-work-8-28-20/
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Summer fun this year — even more than usual — is all about the great outdoors. Whether hiking, at the beach, or just relaxing at your local park, people are spending more time than ever outside. You wouldn’t risk a sunburn by going out without sunscreen. So why would you risk your eyes? That’s right — you can get sunburn on your eyes. The condition, called photokeratitis, is caused when UV rays burn the surface of your cornea. It can cause pain, blurriness, and even temporary vision loss. Prolonged UV exposure can also have long-term effects on your eye health, including cataracts and eye cancer. Even on cloudy days, you’re still exposed. The best way to protect your eyes? Wearing UV-protective lenses, both in your glasses and sunglasses. In addition to regularly using UV protection, it’s important to keep up with regular vision care appointments, where a doctor can evaluate your eye health and catch any problems early. Luckily, Freelancers Union offers VSP® Individual Vision Plans that start as low as $13 a month, and typical annual savings is more than $200* a year. Plans include annual benefits** that cover: ● Access to the largest network of independent eye doctors ● A comprehensive eye exam that can aid in early detection of health diseases like diabetes and glaucoma ● Prescription lenses with covered lens enhancements like scratch resistance and progressives ● A generous allowance for frames and/or contacts With flexible payment options for monthly or annual billing, VSP Individual Vision Plans offer freelance-friendly plans that work for where you are right now — giving you more time for fun in the sun. *Savings are based on national averages on comprehensive eye exams and most commonly purchased frame brands and may vary by VSP plan and purchase selection, average savings determined after benefits are applied. **Vision Plans are subject to exclusions and limitations. via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2020/08/28/keep-your-eyes-safe-from-this-hidden-summer-threat/
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I’ve been writing training programs since 2002, and in that time I’d say I’ve written roughly 10,717 of them. Not coincidentally that’s also the total number of times I’ve wanted to toss my face into an ax whenever someone waxes poetic on their 1) killer CrossFit workout and/or 2) keto diet. We get it, you’re better than us. Suffice it to say… …I’ve written a lot of programs, I’ve helped many people from all walks of life get results, yet I still need to often remind myself to stop overcomplicating things. Seriously, It’s Not Long DivisionI think it comes with the territory that we often want to “wow” our clients and athletes with complicated looking programs that require an Enigma machine to decipher. I mean, which looks more impressive: A1. Goblet Squat – 3×8 OR A1. 1-Legged Snatch Grip Deadlifts – from deficit (w/ Intraset Tempo: Reps 1-3 = 3s pause at mid-shin, Reps 4-6 = 3s lowering, Reps 7-9 = blindfolded) If you’re a fitness professional it’s inevitable you’ll end up mirroring Dug (the dog) from the movie Up. Whenever he sees a squirrel he can’t help himself and becomes distracted. Similarly, we’re seduced by bright, shiny, and new objects. Or, in this case…exercises. I’m no different. I, too, am an amalgamation of shortcomings that can’t help himself when it comes to cool, zany looking thingamajigs I come across on Instagram. Recently I was updating a program for a long-standing client of mine. This is someone whom I’ve been writing programs for coming up on four years. Our relationship is at the point where whenever it’s time to write a new program for him I am sometimes flummoxed as to what to do…and I try to get cute. I feel I have to toss in something new or idiosyncratic. I feel this is pretty normal behavior and comes with the territory when working with a client/athlete for so long. They’re paying good money to work with us and there’s sometimes I feeling of guilt when we don’t go out of our way to spice things up on the programming front. We don’t want to come across as too repetitive. In lieu of this I opted to go with my gut instincts and ended up writing a seemingly “vanilla” program (at least in my eyes) for my client this month. No tomfoolery or shenanigans. Wouldn’t you know it… …at the end of one of our more recent sessions he raved at how awesome the workout was. This was followed by an email the following day raining over me with accolades.
Okay, that last one was made up. Nevertheless, I was pleasantly surprised if not somewhat vindicated. “Huh,” I thought to myself. “I guess I need to get out of my own way more often and just stop overcomplicating things.” This is not an indictment on utilizing more advanced or “sexy looking” exercises. Novelty is fine (every now and again). However, this recent experience was a stark reminder that most people, most of the time prefer (and even thrive) on simplicity. Did what you just read make your day? Ruin it? Either way, you should share it with your friends and/or comment below.via Blog – Tony Gentilcore http://tonygentilcore.com/2020/08/simple-training-programs-omgstopovercomplicatingthings/
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We’ve all been there. It’s almost like a sad freelance rite of passage I wish we could eliminate: working with a toxic client. When I first debuted a podcast episode last summer about why freelancers couldn’t afford to keep toxic clients, it didn’t surprise me at all that it became one of my most-downloaded episodes. Much like any other toxic relationship, this freelance client drains your energy, puts you on edge, and amps up your avoidance technique like nobody’s business. And since one of the best things about freelancing is that we decide who we work with, you’re in the driver’s seat to end the relationship. Even when you know it’s extremely toxic, the idea of confronting an already difficult client means that most freelancers end up sticking around way too long. Here’s what to do when you recognize that it’s just not going to work and how to exit with as little drama as possible. Recognize the Relationship for What It IsIf you’re dreading opening an email or getting on a call with a freelance client, something is up. If you have already made reasonable efforts to course-correct and the same problems keep popping up, now is the time to cut ties. I once had a client who wanted me to step out of a date night dinner with my husband because of some “emergency” he had with his blog. First of all, really? A blog emergency? But secondly, why do you need to call me at 8 o'clock on Friday night? The minute I stepped into the parking lot, I realized I’d handed over all the power to a toxic freelance client. We parted ways a few days later when I fired him. Here are some signs the relationship has gone toxic: · You’ve had more than one experience chasing the client down for money, and it’s usually a lot of emails, phone calls, and threats about contracts before the money finally gets paid. · The client expects you to be available morning, noon, and night for their text messages, unplanned phone calls, or emails. You’re starting to feel like you’re on call and being treated like an employee. · The client has crossed professional communication boundaries by cursing at you, yelling, calling you stupid, or anything of the like. · You sometimes don’t hear from the client for weeks at a time, making it impossible to move the project forward. · You’re constantly getting bad feedback despite making changes the client requested, and it’s starting to feel like you’re chasing a finish line that keeps getting moved. · Their team is really disorganized and dysfunctional. Examples could include project managers who have a huge turnover rate so that you never know who to send your work to, or projects being evaluated by 9-10 different people, all of whom seem to deviate from the guidelines you were originally given. · The client is consistently engaging in scope creep, asking for more and more work, phone calls, edits, or anything else than you ever agreed to (and they don’t want to pay for these extras, either). Once you know what you’re dealing with and are willing to accept that it’s not going to change, it’s time to do something about it. How to Exit GracefullyEven when the client really deserves to hear what you have to say, avoid it. If this person can’t be worked with, there’s little to gain from reading them the riot act about their terrible behavior. You’ll also find that some manipulative clients will view this conversation as a way to turn things around and you’ll get sucked back in to working with them, only to see the same issues emerge a few weeks later like the conversation never happened. This is why we have escape clauses in our contracts, and why you shouldn’t sign long-term agreements without doing a trial project first. Trial projects can raise these red flags before you’re two months into a six-month contract with a toxic freelance client. Be firm and clear in letting them go. My favorite way to do this is by saying, “I’ve made some changes in my business model. Unfortunately, as a result, I won’t be able to work on these projects as of [insert date here]. Here’s how I propose we wrap up.” Even if the client pushes back and wants more details, you’re not obligated to give them. I’ve found that when you try to mention a specific reason outside of this, they don’t recognize the finality of the relationship. Don’t burn bridges if you don’t have to. But do stand firm. For example, if you mention that the project manager has been difficult to work with, the client might offer to add someone else to the project. But what if the issue isn’t the project manager, but poor training and oversight for that project manager? You’ll end up right back where you started with someone new. And if you used that excuse to exit when you really just found your client too abrasive to collaborate with, their offer to “help” by adding a new project manager pulls you back in even though you really don’t want to work with them. Treat your freelance business like a CEO. When you use the language above, it’s clear to the client the decision has already been made. Don’t backtrack. When you give them the details of how you’re going to wrap up, you remove questions and give them time to find someone else (but not enough time for them to try to convince you to stay). Here’s the most important thing to remember: No one deserves to be treated poorly, freelancer or not. If you’ve made your best effort to fix things and it’s going nowhere, walk away. via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2020/08/26/how-to-fire-a-toxic-client/
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“Home base” for most lifters can and should be the trap-bar deadlift. There, I Said It. Come at Me, Internet TrollsI remember a few years back when I was still coaching at Cressey Sports Performance another trainer who was there observing for the day walked up to make casual conversation and to ask a question he wanted my opinion on. Him: “Hey Tony.” Me: “Hey, what’s up? Him: “Oh, not much. Say, I noticed pretty much everyone here only deadlifts using the trap bar.” Me: “Indeed. We don’t feel the majority of people need to use the straight bar or anything. It’s a risk-reward scenario where we feel the risk isn’t worth any inherent (ego) reward.” Him: “Huh, but don’t you feel you’re feeding dysfunction or that they’re cheating by using the trap bar only?” Me: I kept my cool. And by that what I mean is that it took every ounce of willpower for my eyeballs not to roll out of their sockets. Let me address each point separately.
Due to improved mechanics with regards to the center of mass (you’re inside the barbell) and axis of rotation (hips closer), the trap-bar deadlift is a safer, more user-friendly variation. A deadlift is a deadlift is a deadlift. So long as someone hinges at their hips, maintains a neutral spine, and then proceeds to lift something off the ground from a DEAD stop, I don’t care if it’s a barbell, a trap bar, or a Volkswagon. My job as a coach is to do the best I can to “match” an exercise to the injury history, ability level, and goal(s) of the individual I’m working with. Almost always the trap-bar is going to be the best option in terms of not only performance, but safety as well.
Nope. Unless you’re a competitive powerlifter or weightlifter, you don’t HAVE to use a straight bar. It’s not cheating. Traditionalists can go fuck themselves. Did what you just read make your day? Ruin it? Either way, you should share it with your friends and/or comment below.via Blog – Tony Gentilcore http://tonygentilcore.com/2020/08/60-second-deadlift-tip-the-trap-bar-counts-as-deadlifting/
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A key element of the CARES Act was the ability for the self-employed to apply for unemployment benefits under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. However, what may not be clear to many self-employed people who are receiving unemployment payments, often for the first time in their working lives, is that this income is taxable — freelancers will need to factor this in when making estimated tax payments and calculating their annual income tax obligations. Another key point to remember about any unemployment payments you may have received is that, depending on where you reside, they may be subject to not only federal income taxes, but taxes at the state and local levels, too. For example, if you are a freelancer living and working in New York, assume you will be paying federal taxes, New York States taxes and, if you live in New York City, city taxes as well. On the plus side, you don’t have to pay Social Security or Medicare taxes on unemployment income as you would for regular freelance income. There are a few states that exempt unemployment benefits from taxes, so check your federal, state, and local tax liabilities. California, Montana, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Virginia are among the states that waive income taxes on unemployment income. Additionally, some states don’t levy income taxes at all, including on unemployment benefits received by residents there. Those states are Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Even if your state is waiving taxes on unemployment income, you will still owe federal taxes on it, and potentially local taxes, too. Given the impact unemployment income may have on your freelance tax picture — especially with the next estimated tax deadline just around the corner, on September 15, now is the time to look at how any unemployment payments you received will impact your freelance tax obligations, both for this quarter and for 2020 overall, so you can make necessary adjustments to your plans for tax payments. Managing your freelance tax obligations proactively is key during the pandemic and beyond. This year more than ever, it is critical for freelancers to keep abreast of the tax impacts created by the pandemic to avoid any tax season surprises. If you haven’t engaged in tax planning for your freelance business yet this year, start with your preparations for the next estimated tax payment due on September 15, taking the time to look at your federal, state, and local tax obligations in light of participation in the PUA. Jonathan Medows is a New York City-based CPA who specializes in taxes and business issues for freelancers and self-employed individuals across the country. He provides tax, accounting and business articles for freelancers on his website, http://www.cpaforfreelancers.com — which also features a blog and a comprehensive freelance tax guide. Please note, due to the high volume of inquiries in regard to COVID-19, Jonathan may not be able to respond to individual requests for information at this time but he will do his best. via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2020/08/25/do-you-have-to-pay-income-tax-on-unemployment-benefits/ 8 Innovative Exercises For Stronger Hip Flexors and Adductors: A Collaboration with Meghan Callaway8/24/2020
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Recently the indelible, delightful, and impressive Meghan Callaway and I collaborated on a series where we each shared four innovative exercises for both the hip flexors and adductors. As far as duos go, we rank somewhere in between peanut butter & jelly and Bradley Cooper & Lady Gaga. Check em out. You Won’t Believe Your Eyes
This exercise strengthens the adductors and hip flexors, improves lumbo-pelvic stability, and shoulder and scapular stability. Meghan’s Coaching Tips:
This exercise strengthens the adductors, improves lumbo-pelvic stability, and shoulder and scapular stability. Tony’s Coaching Tips:
This exercise strengthens the adductors and improves hip controlled mobility. Meghan’s Coaching Tips:
This exercise strengthens the adductors – bilaterally (<– Cue emphatic & dramatic music here). Tony’s Coaching Tips:
This exercise strengthens the hip flexors, improves lumbo-pelvic stability, and shoulder and scapular stability. Meghan’s Coaching Tips:
This exercise strengthens many things: your hip flexors, abdominals, glutes, lumbo-pelvic stability, your soul, everything. Tony’s Coaching Tips:
This exercise strengthens the hip flexors, improves hip controlled mobility, and lumbo-pelvic stability. You may use any items you have at home. I’m using some Lysol spray. Meghan’s Coaching Tips:
This exercise strengthens the hip flexors and abdominals and basically “locks” you into place so you can’t cheat with your lower back. Tony’s Coaching Tips:
Did what you just read make your day? Ruin it? Either way, you should share it with your friends and/or comment below.via Blog – Tony Gentilcore http://tonygentilcore.com/2020/08/8-innovative-exercises-for-stronger-hip-flexors-and-adductors-a-collaboration-with-meghan-callaway/
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When I first started writing freelance, I asked a friend of mine for advice on which online marketplaces I should use, and how I should present myself. After giving me loads of helpful advice (thanks, Jock!), my white, male friend speculated that I — as a woman of color — "would be a hit." I wouldn't say that was my experience. I certainly received a lot of interest and a lot of personal messages. But they were not of a type I would call positive. My experience appears to be fairly normal for Black people entering online marketplaces. Despite the fact that freelancers are covered by anti-discrimination legislation, research shows that Black freelancers — especially women of color — face a significant level of discrimination on these platforms. In this article, I'll show you the evidence for that, share a few of my own experiences, and then think about what can be done about it. The ResearchResearch into racial discrimination in online freelance marketplaces is rare. This is partially because of a design feature of these marketplaces: they don't collect data on the ethnicity of their users. Despite collecting a vast amount of other data, presumably in order that employers can search for precisely the freelancer they want, most platforms are strangely color-blind. That’s understandable, of course. These platforms probably don't include racial data because they don't want hiring parties to filter search results to exclude freelancers of any particular racial background, instead presenting all people "on their merits." But, unfortunately, proclaiming color-blindness just exacerbates internal biases and can be equally harmful, while directly addressing race allows people to confront those biases head-on. Because of this lack of data, research into racial bias on these platforms is time-consuming and of limited scope. As you probably understand by now, it’s impossible to know even little but important things such as how frequently Black freelancers have their invoices paid compared to their white peers. Equally, researchers do not have access to the private messages (and therefore the private experiences) of Black users of these platforms. To date, this has meant that just one recent research paper has sought to analyze racial bias on these platforms. The findings make for depressing reading. "Our findings illustrate," say the authors, "that real-world biases can manifest in online labor markets and ... impact the visibility of some workers. This may cause negative outcomes for workers in the form of reduced job opportunities and income." My ExperienceThis research strikes a chord with me. My experience of these marketplaces — one shared with my Black freelancer friends — is that we appear to receive significantly lower reviews for our work than our white peers. This was also a key finding of the research I've mentioned, in which the researchers note that lower reviews result in Black (and Asian) freelancers being less visible on these platforms, and ultimately getting hired less. A slightly more personal trend I've noticed is that employers on these platforms tend to "talk down" to Black and female freelancers, assuming that they don't know the basics of their business, even when they've been working in the industry for years. Just in the past few months, I've had employers explain to me basic financial literacy and try to “explain” to me how to code (I have a compsci MsC), despite lacking any dev experience themselves. Even worse, where employers are keen to hire Black, female freelancers, it often appears to be part of a reputation management attempt, rather than being based on merit. I've been asked, for instance, to be "the face" of some employers, despite having a fairly low-level role for them, so they can fairly transparently prove their progressive credentials. The SolutionsFixing racism and sexism is not, of course, within the scope of this article! However, I do think that there are some basic things that could be put in place in order to level the playing field for Black and minority ethnic women on these platforms. One would simply be for these platforms to collect basic information on race. The fact they do not is slightly strange, given that several studies have shown that even the most basic email marketing systems practice this method. Collecting this information would make research into racial bias on these platforms much more efficient, and allow us to plan further measures for the future. Another approach could be for these platforms to make greater use of automation. AI bots could be deployed to automatically adjust review scores based on race, or even to interview prospective candidates. Almost 20% of marketing companies now use AI as part of their customer service, and these bots could have a huge advantage over (some) humans: They are color blind. Or at least some are: There is also research that indicates that AIs can have bias problems, largely as a result of the subconscious biases of the people (white, male) who design these programs. Because of this, we should treat this kind of automation with a little caution. Third, employers looking to put in place fairer hiring practices would do well to explore employee referral programs, which can take some of the bias out of hiring decisions by distributing responsibility for them across a larger portion of your organization. Pay transparency can also help reduce bias across your entire organization, as well as indicate your responsible approach to prospective freelancers, who are more likely to want to work with you if you are open about your business. The Bottom LineIt's important not to blame freelancing platforms unduly. Much of the discrimination that Black freelancers face on these platforms is nothing to do with the way in which they are built or run, but merely mirrors more widespread discrimination in hiring practices. Nevertheless, these platforms should assume some responsibility to protect their users from discrimination and provide protection from harassment, and at the moment they are not meeting that bar. Merely collecting more information on their users would make investigations into racial bias easier to research, and deploying automated tools on these platforms might help to counteract some of the discrimination that is already apparent. via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2020/08/24/black-freelancers-face-discrimination-on-online-platforms/ |
AuthorI have 5+ years experience working as a medical transcriptionist. When I am not working, I enjoy sports like playing basketball or judo. I love making friends and connections. Archives
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