How flexibility in gig work affects work-life balance: A case study of online service platform industry

Abstract

The study explored the various challenges faced by gig workers that inhibit their ability to maintain a work-life balance. Although the concept of gig work has been studied earlier by scholars, there was a lack of research on how the work flexibility of gig workers results in poor management of work-life balance. It is important to note that the study was conducted on 150 gig workers who contributed to the research findings. The study revealed that factors such as unsocial working hours, job insecurity, unpredictable earnings, and prolonged stress significantly impact the work-life balance of gig workers across various platforms in the online service industry. Furthermore, job insecurity was the most significant factor affecting work-life balance. This can be attributed to the fact that job insecurity leads to emotional imbalances among gig workers, which can have serious repercussions. Overall, the research highlights the importance of designing worker-friendly employment practices in the gig economy. This study is of immense significance to the gig economy’s managers for devising employee-friendly management practices.