Rethinking job dimensions: The value of riders and gig economy workers

Abstract

In today's rapidly changing business environment, organisations must adapt quickly, particularly in the context of the growing gig economy—a subset of the collaborative economy characterised by flexible and temporary jobs often involving bogus self-employment. This paper adopts a comprehensive and systematic approach to investigating the working conditions of riders within the gig economy and their relationships with platforms. By distinguishing riders from other gig economy workers, this study offers a detailed examination of riders' unique challenges, particularly regarding job precarity and algorithmic control. Using the Digital Labour Platforms in the EU: Mapping and Business Model, which analyses platforms across the EU-27, this qualitative comparative analysis reveals that riders face distinct working conditions compared to other gig economy workers. The study further explores riders' work, employment, and social dimensions, providing new insights into the complex dynamics that define their roles within the gig economy.