Gig workers face occupational, precariousness, and platform-based vulnerabilities, which challenge their right to health, with different experiences across regions and global borders.

The health of workers in the global gig economy

The gig economy has diverse characteristics, which influence worker health and well-being, and a research agenda is proposed to spur further exploration of this topic.

Worker Health and Well-Being in the Gig Economy: A Proposed Framework and Research Agenda

Shift and night work negatively impacts workers' health and well-being, leading to disruptions in circadian rhythms, decreased work performance, and deteriorating health, with specific effects on women's health and family roles.

The impact of shift and night work on health.

The gig economy, requiring digital platforms, increases workers' vulnerability to wage theft, independent contractor misclassification, job insecurity, and lack of occupational health protections.

The Gig Economy and Contingent Work: An Occupational Health Assessment

Routine work-schedule instability is strongly associated with psychological distress, poor sleep quality, and unhappiness, with work-life conflict being a key social determinant of well-being.

Consequences of Routine Work-Schedule Instability for Worker Health and Well-Being

Gig-workers face job instability, poor job quality, and low salaries, making them a vulnerable population exposed to stress.

A Plea for the Need to Investigate the Health Effects of Gig-Economy

The gig economy has significant psychological implications, and policy measures like taxation, a universal basic income, and mental health support can help or harm its workers.

Well-Being and Mental Health in the Gig Economy

Algorithmic control in remote gig economy platforms can offer high flexibility, autonomy, and task variety, but may also lead to low pay, social isolation, irregular hours, overwork, sleep deprivation, and exhaustion.

Good Gig, Bad Gig: Autonomy and Algorithmic Control in the Global Gig Economy

Piece rate pay may negatively impact worker health, particularly for vulnerable groups like women, minority, and low-income workers.

A longitudinal study of piece rate and health: evidence and implications for workers in the US gig economy.

Gig economy drivers face health and safety risks, including fatigue, speeding, and using phones while driving, requiring government pressure to improve safety measures.

The health and safety risks for people who drive for work in the gig economy

Extended workdays (9-12 hours) should be avoided as much as possible in healthcare professionals, but more long-term studies are needed to evaluate long-term health effects.

Health effects of work schedules in healthcare professions.

Long working hours are associated with stress, fatigue, and chronic health outcomes, highlighting the need for improved tracking methods and protective efforts.

Long working hours, occupational health and the changing nature of work organization.

Long working hours increase the likelihood of illness and injury, and may negatively impact public safety, leading to new protective legislation advocating for restrictions.

Ethical Issues Relating to the Health Effects of Long Working Hours

Night and irregular shift work significantly increase the odds of health limitations compared to regular daytime schedules, with more pronounced effects for irregularly scheduled work efforts.

Health Effects of Night and Irregular Shift Work: A Longitudinal Cohort Study of US Workers.

Long work hours and working on weekends negatively impact the mental health of white-collar workers, while night work is more harmful for blue-collar workers.

Mental health effects of long work hours, night and weekend work, and short rest periods.

Long working hours negatively impact occupational health, with related health being the most significant factor.

The Effect of Long Working Hours and Overtime on Occupational Health: A Meta-Analysis of Evidence from 1998 to 2018

Casual employees in the same hotels experienced less desirable and predictable work schedules, greater work-life conflict, and more health complaints compared to "permanent" workers.

Working hours, work-life conflict and health in precarious and "permanent" employment.

Shorter workweeks can reduce smoking, BMI, and increase self-reported health, with blue-collar workers benefiting more from the reduction.

The Effect of Working Hours on Health

Reducing working hours with retained salary can improve employees' well-being, particularly in terms of stress and sleep.

How the reduction of working hours could influence health outcomes: a systematic review of published studies

The gig economy reveals diverse aspects of job quality, collectivity, identity development, and algorithmic management, highlighting the need for further research on gig workers and their impact on information, technology, and work.

The organisation and experience of work in the gig economy

What are the health implications of the gig economy and irregular work hours?

Some studies suggest that the gig economy and irregular work hours negatively impact health through job instability, stress, and poor sleep quality, while other studies highlight potential benefits like flexibility and autonomy.