The gig economy is a growing phenomenon in which individuals are able to perform a range of tasks for a variety of clients. While this may seem convenient, it comes with a variety of problems. There are issues with social isolation, work-related stress, and micro-tasks. In fact, it is a very complicated environment that can be hard on the health of individuals.
Social isolation
Social isolation is a common problem. Loneliness is a form of social isolation that occurs when people feel isolated from the people around them. This can lead to a wide range of psychological and physical problems.
One of the primary ways to address loneliness is through the creation of a “third place” – a place where people can go to relax and reconnect with other humans. People can also find support by joining a book club or exercise class.
In addition to the isolation of the gig economy, workers may also have to deal with physical distance. For example, an online freelancer who works on an online labour platform doesn’t even physically meet the client.
The absence of a shared workplace can contribute to a lack of meaningfulness at work. Remote and unsocial work environments can make it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Work-related stress due to surveillance
There is a growing trend towards workplace surveillance. Whether it’s through timesheets, computer systems, or webcams, workers are becoming more and more accustomed to being watched.
Surveillance is linked to a number of negative consequences. In the gig economy, for example, companies use algorithms to manage their workforce, which can add to stress. The algorithms can also make workers less autonomous and increase the likelihood of on-the-job illness.
Workers feel isolated and disempowered. This can lead to a range of health concerns, from depression and headaches to digestive problems and heart disease. They may not know what they’re getting into, when they’re going to work, or how much money they’ll make.
The O2O sector, which is loosely referred to as the “gig economy,” has seen a huge rise in monitoring practices. As well as timesheets, computers, and webcams, newer technologies are using wearable sensors to intensify the relationship between the system and the monitored.
Control of pricing and workflow
The gig economy has exploded onto the scene in the past few years and has caught the eye of many a giddy employee. This bodes well for both the employer and employee alike, but there is a darker side to the gig economy that should not be overlooked. Aside from the usual annoyances like long commutes or early morning meetings, the gig economy offers a plethora of benefits. These include financial relief and less stress, both of which can have a positive impact on mental health. However, the gig economy isn’t for everyone, so it’s important to do your due diligence before jumping into the workforce.
To avoid the usual pitfalls of a traditional workplace, the gig economy offers the opportunity to work at your own pace, in your own space. This is a particularly appealing proposition for those with mental health concerns. With more people with these conditions out of the workplace, a gig economy solution may be the ticket.
Menial micro-tasks
Neoliberalism has done a number on employment relations in many parts of the world. The gig economy has been argued to increase casualisation and undercut standard employment relations. However, workers in the Global North and South experience the gig differently.
Despite the myriad claims of a technological breakthrough, gig work has yet to prove that it is anything more than a novelty. As such, further studies are necessary to understand the social consequences. In particular, gig workers are facing new challenges in jurisdictions without regulatory oversight for occupational health. These include issues such as the safety and security of personal data, and the prevalence of surveillance technologies.
While there has been much debate about the relative merits of the gig economy, this article makes a case for highlighting a few key features of the nascent industry. Specifically, this study looks at what constitutes the ‘job quality’ of remote gig workers. To this end, it uses an empirical survey of 679 workers from the Southeast Asian region, along with 107 semi-structured interviews.
Precarious employment
During the past decade, the growth of precarious work in the UK has been steadily increasing. This is part of an international trend. These new working arrangements offer flexibility in a volatile labour market. However, they have been associated with a host of negative health impacts.
Precarious employment often involves irregular working hours and digital platforms, both of which are associated with increased stress. It is estimated that the “gig economy” has grown to 14.7% of the working population in England and Wales. In this environment, workers may suffer from high levels of stress, which is linked to mental and physical disorders.
A recent study has shown that precarious work increases the risk of poor mental and physical health. Researchers also discovered that the risk of poor health is related to the insufficient income earned by workers.