Gig workers of the world, unite!

He may have been born more than 150 years ago, but his words still ring true today, possibly more than ever. Writer and philosopher GK Chesterton wrote: “The truth is that exploration and enlargement make the world smaller.” In today’s digital age, where a pocket screen has become a window on the world and its keypad a means of navigating it, one feels his message has taken on yet greater meaning.

One way in which digital technology is changing the world is in the way we work. We are living through an algorithmic transformation of how, when and where we go about our business, with the emergence of a brave, but potentially scary new world of the gig, or platform economy.

This technological change delivered through laptops, notepads and mobile phones has brought flexibility, income earning and global business opportunities to all – but there’s a very real danger it will come at a crippling cost to personal freedom, workers’ rights and individual security.

Going global

I will be journeying to New Delhi for APOSHO 2025 (26-29 November) to share IOSH’s experience and assessment of this major technological/social change presented in its white paper “A platform for success: building a better future in the gig economy.” Linking to the APOSHO theme of ‘Safety Strategies for an Informal Workforce’, my presentation will draw on IOSH research and global insights to highlight the opportunities and benefits, risks and worker safety fears being driven by the rapid growth of gig and platform work.

Last year’s IOSH-ARUP report, ‘Towards a Safe and Healthy Future of Work’, explored how work will evolve under the power of technology and shifting employment models. It emphasised how these growing new forces will bring both benefits and challenges, and it called for new strategies to protect workers’ wellbeing in new working environments. It raised concerns over accompanying threats to job security and social safety nets.

The ‘Healthy Workplaces’ campaign from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work has recognised how digital platforms offer wider access to the labour market, creating new opportunities for more disadvantaged worker groups, including disabled people, women and migrants. They offer ways to earn extra income, flexible working and the chance to develop new skills, including entrepreneurship.

Benefits and ethics

But we must ensure the benefits are balanced by ethics, that exploitation is exposed and sustainable livelihoods secured for gig and platform workers. There is much to guard against – job insecurity, isolation, inconsistent income, algorithmic monitoring and evaluation, lack of transparency and limited health and safety protection. These vulnerabilities can lead to stress, fatigue and a greater susceptibility to workplace accidents.

The IOSH gig economy white paper was founded on a survey of 1,000 gig and platform workers that reflected how some valued the flexibility of gig working but others were unhappy over unfairness, poor pay and low wellbeing. What became clear is how many platforms prioritise efficiency over worker health. Gig workers highlighted long hours, algorithmic pressure and a lack of ergonomic support as their chief concerns. These were cited as the root causes of the key dangers to their health – musculoskeletal disorders, stress and fatigue. 

Yet, if we can get the necessary protections in place, we will improve job quality, reduce staff turnover and boost productivity. Safe, sustainable work environments are good for workers and they’re good for business; the best way to build them will be through collaboration between governments, platforms and worker groups.

As our global position paper on this points out, we have to see shared responsibility, proactive regulation and continuous collaboration if we’re to manage these emerging risks. In the words of Chesterton, ‘exploration and enlargement’ got us here; through working together, they can help find new and better workplace solutions for all.