Navigating Gig Economy Challenges: Worker Satisfaction and Policy Frameworks in India’s Service Sector

International Journal of Emerging Research in Science, Engineering, and Management
Vol. 2, SI1 (2026), pp. 263–269
Proceedings of Selected Papers from the
National Conference on Emerging Trends in Commerce and Management
NCETCM-2K26
2026-03-30 to 2026-03-31
Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India
Organized by Andhra Loyola College, Vijayawada, India
eISSN: 3107-9075

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License .

Navigating Gig Economy Challenges: Worker Satisfaction and Policy Frameworks in India's Service Sector

1S. Melchior, 2N.A. Francis Xavier

1Principal, Andhra Loyola College, Vijayawada, India
2Dean of Commerce and Business Administration, Department of Commerce, Andhra Loyola College, Vijayawada, India

Abstract

This study examines worker satisfaction and policy challenges in India’s rapidly growing gig economy, focusing on food delivery, ride-hailing, and freelance service sectors. A cross-sectional survey of 400 gig workers from Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Mumbai was conducted during Q1 2026 using structured scales for satisfaction, flexibility, and worker protections. Results reveal that flexibility strongly improves worker satisfaction (r=0.65, p<0.001), with an overall satisfaction score of 4.1/5. However, inadequate protections such as insurance gaps, delayed payments, and limited EPF access significantly contribute to dissatisfaction (r=-0.28, p=0.002). ANOVA results indicate significant sector-wise differences, with delivery workers reporting the highest satisfaction levels. Regression analysis confirms flexibility as the strongest predictor of satisfaction (β=0.52). The study highlights implementation gaps in India’s Social Security Code 2020 and proposes a dual HR-policy framework emphasizing flexible work arrangements, instant payouts, micro-insurance, digital contracts, and platform accountability to improve sustainability and worker well-being in the gig economy.

Keywords: Gig Economy, Labor Flexibility, HR Management, Worker Satisfaction, Social Security Code.

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DOI: 10.66710/ijersem.v2si1.33

Open Access • Peer Reviewed Article

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This article is part of Volume 2, Special Issue 1 (May 2026)

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2026-05-19