Health, Safety, Well-Being and Economic Security Implications of Gig Work: An Interdisciplinary Perspective

Abstract: 

This article explores the complex implications of gig work on workers' health, safety, well-being, and economic security.

Key points:

  1. The need for interdisciplinary approaches to address worker health, safety, well-being, and economic security issues.
  2. Definition of gig work as contingent work arrangements facilitated by digital platforms.
  3. Pros of gig work: flexibility, autonomy, and quick start-up.
  4. Cons of gig work: lack of employment benefits, civil rights protections, and economic uncertainties.
  5. Health and safety risks: job stressors, sedentary behavior, potential for injury, and lack of safety nets.
  6. Economic challenges: expenses often exceeding revenue and worker responsibility for tools and recovery from illness/injury.
  7. The article argues for viewing gig work through the same lens as dangerous traditional employment, but without the typical protections.
  8. Call for interdisciplinary solutions to address gig workers' basic needs through changes in work design, worker support systems, community policy, legislation, and improved technology.

As gig work is likely to dominate global economies in the future, it is crucial to address its health and economic risks now to ensure it can be a viable and fulfilling career path for workers of all backgrounds.

Publication date: 
April 4, 2019
Publication type: 
Article