Elevating the gig economy: The foodpanda way

“Our goal is to ensure delivery partners thrive, feel supported, and see a future with foodpanda.” – Bhavani Shankar Mishra, Senior Director of Operations, Asia-Pacific, foodpanda

In an era where the gig economy is thriving, foodpanda is setting a benchmark with its flagship initiative, panda hearts. Designed to empower delivery partners across 11 markets in Asia, the programme focuses on five pillars: safety, wellbeing, personal development, community, and welfare perks.

Bhavani Shankar Mishra, Senior Director of Operations, Asia-Pacific, foodpanda, shared insights into the programme’s motivation, execution, and future trajectory in an interview with HRM Asia.

The genesis of panda hearts lies in foodpanda’s commitment to understanding the needs of its delivery partners. “We keep in touch with focus groups and analyse data to identify the challenges faced by riders,” said Mishra. The initiative was built collaboratively with delivery partners, ensuring their voices shape the solutions.

By addressing the five pillars, panda hearts fosters a sense of community and support. “The gig economy is here to stay, and it’s our responsibility to create an ecosystem where delivery partners feel valued and empowered,” he added.

One of the standout achievements of panda hearts is its focus on rider safety. The food and grocery delivery platform has implemented telematics to monitor riding speed and discourage unsafe behaviours like phone usage while on the road.

“We are constantly exploring ways to enhance rider safety through technology and data analysis,” Mishra explained. “For instance, we are developing an in-app feature that monitor rider speed and phone usage, providing real-time feedback and encouraging safer driving practices.” This initiative has already seen successful trials in Singapore and Malaysia and is set to expand across other markets.

Additionally, foodpanda has launched Rider Safety Month last October, a partnership with the Singapore Traffic Police, the Land Transport Authority, and training providers to equip delivery partners with essential safety skills. Under this partnership, delivery partners in Singapore can take part in practical training courses hosted by ComfortDelGro Driving Centre and the Singapore Cycling Federation. These sessions cover crucial topics such as hazard management and defensive riding techniques.

“This programme empowers riders to adopt safe road habits year-round, ensuring their safety on the job and at home,” Mishra added.

Another significant area of impact is welfare perks. From fuel subsidies to supermarket vouchers, foodpanda tailors its support based on regional needs. In the Philippines, for example, welfare extends to the families of riders, reinforcing the sense of community.

Navigating new legislation for gig workers

The Platform Workers Bill, introduced by the Singapore government to strengthen protections for gig workers, aligns closely with foodpanda’s objectives. Mishra commended the government’s tripartite approach, highlighting the challenges of implementing such a framework in the dynamic gig economy.

“Education is key,” Mishra emphasised, adding that foodpanda is actively working with the government to educate delivery partners on their rights and options under the new regulations. Despite the complexities of adapting payment structures and benefits to a transaction-based workforce, Mishra is optimistic about creating a seamless experience for riders.

READ MORE: New bill to transform Singapore’s gig economy with stronger protections

The road ahead for panda hearts is paved with ambitious plans. Seasonal initiatives like “double tipping” during festivals provide riders with additional earnings, while ongoing upskilling programmes offer courses in coding, financial literacy, and hospitality.

Entrepreneurship opportunities are also a priority, enabling riders to transition into roles such as home chefs or business partners. “We provide access to online learning platforms where riders can enhance their skills, whether it’s learning to code or developing their knowledge in the hospitality sector,” said Mishra. “These opportunities empower our delivery partners to pursue their career goals and achieve their full potential.”

Evolving operational strategies

The pandemic catalysed significant improvements in foodpanda’s operational strategies. The rider app has undergone a complete overhaul, with enhanced navigation, bug fixes, and real-time earnings tracking. Features like heatmaps guide riders to high-demand areas, and incentive-driven programmes like Quest for Riders motivate them to maximise their earnings.

“We benchmark our app against global standards, ensuring it evolves to mee the best practices that riders value,” Mishra noted.

The panda hearts initiative exemplifies foodpanda’s holistic approach to enhancing the gig work experience. By prioritising safety, wellbeing, and personal development, foodpanda is not just responding to the needs of delivery partners but setting a new standard for the gig economy. As Mishra aptly concluded, “Our goal is to ensure delivery partners thrive, feel supported, and see a future with foodpanda.”