Exploring the work perceptions and experiences of gig workers globally: a scoping review.

Abstract

Background: The gig economy is growing rapidly all around the world, which highlights the significance of more research in this field noting the possible ramifications for platform owners and legislators. Despite extensive global research, a synthesis of the current results is required as the last review was conducted in 2017 and is now outdated. By providing a current overview of the latest information, this review aims to close this gap. Objectives: This scoping review explores the current state of the perceptions and experiences of gig workers on a global scale in order to update the findings from the previous review by Bajwa et al. (2018). This review followed the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. Insights essential for the development of more robust policy and support strategies for gig workers globally will be provided. Eligibility criteria: Full-text research, in the English language, on the perceptions and experiences of gig workers around the world from 2018 to 2024 were included. Every study design and piece of grey literature was taken into account. Non-English, full-text unavailable, studies without pertinent content, and those published prior to 2018 were excluded. Sources of evidence: A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple electronic databases, including EBSCOhost, Scopus, Sage, Springer, Taylor & Francis, Wiley, and Google Scholar. Relevant grey literature and policy documents were also retrieved from websites such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), World Bank, and National Bureau of Economic Research. Charting methods: Data from the included 26 studies were extracted and organized using a descriptive charting process based on the requirements of a standard scoping review methodology. Key information such as authors, publication year, country, study aims, methodology, and findings on gig workers’ perceptions and experiences were systematically recorded and analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Results: In keeping with the findings of the previous review by Bajwa et al. (2018), this review found that gig workers, especially younger generations, enjoy the freedom and flexibility that is associated with gig work which remain attractive features of the gig economy. However, gig workers continue to face numerous challenges, some of which have been worsened by the 21 COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges include social isolation, absence of employment benefits, increased competition for jobs, algorithmic control implications, job insecurity, as well as mental health issues. Additionally, this review offered insights into the role of education and skills development in relation to job satisfaction as it was found that those workers who possess higher education levels, experience greater job satisfaction in comparison to those with lower levels of education. Findings also highlighted that geographic and gender disparities play a role in the perceptions and experiences of gig workers, specifically in lower-income countries such as sub-Saharan Africa. Conclusions: This study highlights how crucial it is that platform owners and legislators develop improved rules, practices, and actions to improve gig workers' working conditions and the available psychosocial support.