千万“小哥”跑出职业发展加速度

Core Insights - The express delivery and takeaway industries have become significant employment sources, with issues regarding the rights, career development, and social recognition of millions of "riders" gaining increasing attention [1][2][3] Employment Pool - The number of workers in the express delivery and takeaway sectors has been steadily increasing, with a report indicating that by July 2025, the monthly active users of delivery apps like Meituan and JD's express service will reach 14.035 million, a year-on-year increase of 74.8% [2] - Many riders come from rural areas, with 77% of Meituan's riders having rural backgrounds, and the industry offers low barriers to entry and high flexibility, allowing individuals like Wu Peng to earn over 10,000 yuan monthly [2] Professional Development - The industry is transitioning from a phase of rapid expansion to one of refinement and standardization, with many riders moving from temporary roles to more stable, professional positions [6] - Companies like Meituan are providing training and career advancement opportunities, with programs that have already sent 385 riders to study logistics management at a national university [7] Urban Guardians - Delivery and takeaway services have become essential for urban functioning, with the takeaway market projected to exceed 1.27 trillion yuan in 2024, accounting for 22.8% of national restaurant revenue [8] - Riders are increasingly recognized for their contributions to community welfare, participating in volunteer services and assisting vulnerable populations [10][11] Social Security and Rights - The issue of social security for riders is gaining attention, with some companies offering comprehensive social security coverage, while others operate on a voluntary basis [13] - The introduction of smart helmets and first aid kits by companies like Meituan and Taobao Flash has improved safety for riders, addressing some of the risks associated with their work [12] Challenges Ahead - Despite advancements, challenges remain, such as the need for better infrastructure for delivery vehicles and the necessity for collaborative efforts from platforms, authorities, and society to enhance the integration of this new workforce into urban environments [14]