Author(s)

Heshan Sameera Kankanam Pathiranage

Department of Business Management, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), Malabe, Sri Lanka.

This systematic review examines the phenomenon of precarious employment within the gig economy, emphasizing the experiences of the employed poor. The rise of the gig economy, characterized by transient and freelance work, subjects workers, especially migrants and low-income individuals, to volatile and insecure job conditions. This study highlights the economic roles and challenges these workers face, including financial instability, social exclusion, and psychological distress. It calls for robust policy measures and cross-disciplinary efforts to tackle the complex issues surrounding precarious employment. The review synthesizes significant findings and contributions to the literature, spotlighting the importance of autonomy, security, and well-being in atypical work arrangements. It advocates for nuanced interventions that address the varied needs and contexts of the workforce, aiming to cultivate a fairer and more supportive gig economy. The research underscores the necessity for policymakers, practitioners, and academics to develop inclusive strategies that alleviate precarious employment’s negative impacts and enhance worker welfare.

Precarious Employment, Gig Economy, Employed Poor, Platform Workers, Social Employment

Pathiranage, H. (2024) Precarious Employment in the Gig Economy: Understanding the Roles of Employed Poor. Open Journal of Business and Management, 12, 2288-2307. doi: 10.4236/ojbm.2024.124117.