Helsinki Gig Worker Autonomy and Gamification
Pepper, Kristopher (2023)
2023
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023112431360
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023112431360
Tiivistelmä
This research explores the autonomy and gamification of gig workers working at an unnamed company in Helsinki. The report focuses on the nature of the work and the courier application, which distributes the labour among the workers. The courier's status as self-employed entrepreneurs was also explored.
For the research, a case study approach was adopted. The research was based on empirical observations of the courier work. Courier interviews and personal observations were conducted. The results were qualitative and descriptive. The results were organised, analysed and discussed.
Aspects of the courier work provided autonomy. Mainly the ability to work whenever and for however long. Couriers were also able to accept or decline every gig which was offered to them. The courier's status as self-employed partners also instilled a level of autonomy.
On the contrary, many aspects of the job restricted the courier's autonomy. Courier work was found to revolve around a gig waiting cycle, where couriers wait unpaid for varying amounts of time until they are nominated. Their role, work and pay are defined by Company X. They have no relationship with the venues or the customers. Despite their title as "courier partners", they have no stake or influence in the billion-dollar company. The application was found to have multiple gamification methods in use, including primarily behaviour-driven design and social media attributes. These methods compel the user to work and behave in a productive way.
As of the research publishing date, there is no existing academic work concentrating on this specific topic. This work will hopefully serve as a stepping stone for further research in the area. Many people are already working as gig workers for this company and other gig companies. One can easily imagine a future where gig work becomes the default working method. For this reason, it is important that we better understand this way of working.
For the research, a case study approach was adopted. The research was based on empirical observations of the courier work. Courier interviews and personal observations were conducted. The results were qualitative and descriptive. The results were organised, analysed and discussed.
Aspects of the courier work provided autonomy. Mainly the ability to work whenever and for however long. Couriers were also able to accept or decline every gig which was offered to them. The courier's status as self-employed partners also instilled a level of autonomy.
On the contrary, many aspects of the job restricted the courier's autonomy. Courier work was found to revolve around a gig waiting cycle, where couriers wait unpaid for varying amounts of time until they are nominated. Their role, work and pay are defined by Company X. They have no relationship with the venues or the customers. Despite their title as "courier partners", they have no stake or influence in the billion-dollar company. The application was found to have multiple gamification methods in use, including primarily behaviour-driven design and social media attributes. These methods compel the user to work and behave in a productive way.
As of the research publishing date, there is no existing academic work concentrating on this specific topic. This work will hopefully serve as a stepping stone for further research in the area. Many people are already working as gig workers for this company and other gig companies. One can easily imagine a future where gig work becomes the default working method. For this reason, it is important that we better understand this way of working.