Well-being and Productivity of Gig-Economy Workers in the UK and South Korea

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Gig economy workers are independent contractors, or "micro entrepreneurs", who provide services via apps. Work in the gig economy is increasingly commonplace, and expected to grow exponentially in the near future. It is also more and more prevalent in both the British and Korean economy, with millions of people in both countries regularly performing gig work. Despite the growing relevance of the gig economy, little is known about the well-being and productivity of gig economy workers. While there seem to be positive implications of gig work, such as increased worker flexibility, it is also associated with a range of negative consequences, such as decreased job security or lower income. This grant will enable a team of researchers from Britain and South Korea to develop a series of cross-cultural research projects on well-being and productivity of gig economy workers in both countries. First, we seek to elucidate how gig economy workers in the UK and South Korea conceptualise well-being. We also seek to better understand what job-related factors drive or undermine the well-being of gig economy workers. The relative importance of these factors may differ between Korea and Britain. The well-being of gig economy workers may have a significant impact on productivity. Second, we seek to understand the strategies gig economy workers develop to cope with job-related challenges and improve their well-being. Gig workers from Korea and Britain may not only conceptualise wellbeing differently, but also differ with regard to the strategies they use to mitigate job-related challenges and maintain individual productivity. Third, we seek to develop our understanding of the country-level factors (e.g. culture, labour market regulations and government responses to COVID-19) which may impact the well-being of gig economy workers. These differences may lead to diverse responses in terms of gig worker wellbeing between both countries. Through a series of research projects and events relating to well-being and productivity of gig economy workers, we aim to establish and develop a long-term relationship between investigators in the UK and South Korea. This network of investigators will host and participate in a strategic set of events in both countries. By visiting universities and government institutes in South Korea and carrying out events collaboratively, we will raise the profile of UK scholars and institutions within the Korean research community. Internationally, research workshops, research seminars and conferences will enable knowledge exchange between leading international academics, practitioners and other stakeholders, enabling a sharing of experiences and pursuit of shared goals such as better understanding of well-being of gig economy workers. The network will also give opportunities to postgraduate research students and early career researchers to present or discuss their research and receive feedback.We will not only enrich academic conversations on gig economy workers, but also develop conversation between academics and practitioners on gig economy work in both countries. Research in the area of gig economy is more recent compared to other areas of management research. The network will thus provide a significant means to build and consolidate national capacity in this important area. Furthermore, we aim to develop policy implications which may be for relevant local authorities, governments, international organisations and other stakeholders. The impact of our projects will benefit from the complementary expertise and contacts of its members, especially through the involvement of a government policy institute, who will be active in disseminating potential implications to their national governments and stakeholders, leading to meaningful impact. Our projects may also provide support for developing UK policy for the gig economy based on knowledge, experiences and recommendations gained from the Korean gig economy context.