Uber Works is the company’s latest attempt to expand beyond ride-hailing
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Ride-hailing company Uber is dipping its toes in the on-demand staffing industry with the recent launch of Uber Works.
The new service reportedly allows companies to hire workers, such as wait staff or security personnel for events and corporate functions, for a short term. It is still in its early stages and is now being piloted in the Chicago area following testing in Los Angeles earlier in the year.
Uber Works is the latest attempt by Uber to expand its business beyond on-demand cars, bikes, and scooters for hire services. The company had already branched off its self-driving car business Uber Advanced Technologies Group, and food delivery app Uber Eats.
Uber is ramping up efforts to diversify in preparation for an initial public offering, which CEO Dara Khosrowshahi expects to happen sometime in the second half of 2019.
Despite being the highest-valued private company in the world, with a valuation of US$72bn, Uber is still yet to make a profit. The company is likely under pressure from shareholders to prove that it can have a broader and more flexible business model.
The ride-hailing firm is also facing criticism for classifying its drivers as independent contractors. Hundreds of drivers have sued Uber over the label, claiming that it allows the company to avoid paying for their employee benefits, overtime, and insurance.
