How the ‘Do-Nothing’ Economy Is Powering Up Work-Life Balance and Enabling Employment Opportunities for the Blue-collar Job

Blue-collar workers constitute over 80% of the non-agricultural workforce in India—a testament to their role in reshaping the nation’s economic trajectory.  From operating assembly lines in busy factories to handling logistics and supply chains, these employees are the backbones of large-scale production across India. Additionally, Quick commerce is turning out to be fast emerging creator for blue-collar jobs, with the sector alone set to create more than half a million new jobs beyond 2025, according to a survey by a global job matching and hiring platform. While quick commerce is leading the charge in creating blue-collar jobs, other sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, and traditional e-commerce are also experiencing growth in demand for blue-collar workers.

To keep up the pace and address potential skill gaps, many companies have also started investing in training programs to upskill workers in areas such as technology adoption, customer service, and operations management. This investment in skill-building is aimed at a thriving tech-driven environment and long-term career growth for workers. In today’s fast evolving economy various startup stands a powerful reality of employment, startup founders aren't just delivering convenience they're quietly pushing employment across the country. By building platforms that serve tasks like grocery shopping, laundry, house cleaning, or salon visits, these business leaders are not only enabling millions to reclaim their time but are also providing employment opportunities.

Here's the list of 5 startups who are investing in upskilling its blue-collar workforce along with easing out the lives of the people in the country.

Rapido

Rapido, India’s leading bike and auto taxi platform, is redefining urban mobility by offering affordable, quick, and reliable transport options for daily commuters. Behind this convenience is a vast network of driver-partners—many of whom are blue-collar workers—who gain dignified livelihoods through the platform. Rapido also invests in regular skill development for its partners, providing training in customer service, road safety, and digital literacy. In doing so, it not only enhances the rider experience but also ensures long-term career growth and financial stability for its workforce.

Zepto

Zepto has emerged as a trailblazer in India’s quick commerce space, delivering groceries and essentials within minutes to busy urban households. In the process, it has created thousands of jobs for delivery personnel, many of whom are from the blue-collar segment. Zepto actively focuses on upskilling these workers in logistics tech, route optimization, and inventory management, allowing them to grow with the company. By combining tech-enabled convenience with job creation, Zepto is at the forefront of a work-life balance revolution in Indian households and communities.

Cloud Dhobi

Cloud Dhobi is modernizing the traditional laundry service industry with a tech-enabled, door-to-door cleaning solution that caters to the needs of urban dwellers who are pressed for time. It simultaneously creates structured employment opportunities for blue-collar workers such as washermen, delivery agents, and pressing staff. The company regularly trains its employees in quality control, customer service, and hygiene protocols, helping them transition from informal labor to skilled professionals in the organized service economy.

Meesho

Meesho is democratizing e-commerce by empowering individuals—especially women and small entrepreneurs—to start their own online businesses with zero investment. Behind this social commerce revolution lies a robust backend of blue-collar workers handling warehousing, packaging, and last-mile delivery. Meesho's inclusive growth model includes skill-building programs focused on logistics tech, operational efficiency, and communication, ensuring that workers grow alongside the platform. Meesho’s model supports livelihoods while giving millions of Indians access to entrepreneurial opportunities.

Porter

Porter, a logistics startup, is streamlining intracity and intercity goods transport by connecting businesses and individuals to a fleet of drivers via a mobile app. The platform has become a significant employment generator for blue-collar workers, including truck and tempo drivers, many of whom now enjoy flexible hours, better income visibility, and digital empowerment. Porter also runs training sessions to enhance drivers' tech proficiency, soft skills, and service standards—making them future-ready in an increasingly digital economy.