The Gig Economy in Times of COVID-19: Designing for Gig Workers’ Needs

Juan Alvarez De La Vega, Marta Cecchinato, John Rooksby

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaper

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Abstract

Worldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected gig economy workers due to the contingent and precarious nature of their work. Many gig economy workers have had to adapt quickly to new forms of working, and even learn new skills, to sustain their livelihood. At the same time, gig economy companies have prioritised profit and customers’ needs over workers’ safety. In this position paper, we draw insights from recent academic literature, policy papers, and media reports from across the globe to explore broad implications the pandemic has had on gig economy workers. We then discuss how gig economy platforms might be re-designed to support better working conditions and foster workers’ development.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages9
Publication statusPublished - 5 Aug 2020
EventMicrosoft New Future of Work - Online
Duration: 3 Aug 20205 Aug 2020
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/project/the-new-future-of-work/

Conference

ConferenceMicrosoft New Future of Work
Period3/08/205/08/20
Internet address

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