Navigating Health Dynamics in Platform Economy: A Study Addressing Insecurities of Delivery Workers

Pooja Kalbalia, Christ (Deemed to be University)Bangalore.
Dr. Kailash Koushik, CHRIST (Deemed to be University)

Online technology has advanced the traditional labour market. The rise of gig work has illuminated the intricate connections between health and platform workers. The study aims to show the interplay between workers' health conditions, mobility patterns, job security, and familial support. The study employs a qualitative approach. Ten in-depth interviews were carried out with delivery workers, targeting migrants to capture their living standards and insecurities. Collected data was thematically analysed. The findings showed that various factors like ease of entry, flexible working hours, and sufficient income motivated them to join gig work. However, the pandemic made a significant impact on their health and well-being. Job loss, mental health issues, and restricted access to healthcare were predominant among them. Besides, these delivery workers were currently facing problems related to unachievable targets, long working hours, and physical and mental health complications. Hence, the study suggests reducing their workload and elevating their income for better health and well-being. The present study will contribute to the current reservoir of knowledge about workers’ health and open a new avenue for further studies. In addition, it bridges the present and past studies for targeted policies and the betterment of delivery workers.

Keywords: Health and Morbidity, Population and Development, Internal Migration and Urbanization, Families, Unions and Households

See paper.