Saf Health Work.
2024 Dec;15(4):419-426. 10.1016/j.shaw.2024.08.003.
Associations Between Labor Control Through Digital Platforms and Workers' Mental Wellbeing: A Survey of Location-based Platform Workers in Taiwan
- Affiliations
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- 1Institute of Health Policy and Management, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- 2National Center for Geriatrics and Welfare Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
- 3Department of Psychiatry, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- 4Department of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- 5Department of Occupational Safety and Health, College of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- 6Department of Sociology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- KMID: 2564495
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.shaw.2024.08.003
Abstract
- Background
Platform work offers flexibility and autonomy to workers, but there are concerns about the impacts of excessive labor control exercised by digital platforms using algorithmic management. This study assessed the level of labor control exerted by digital platforms and explored its associations with psychosocial work conditions and workers' mental well-being.
Methods
A total of 487 location-based platform workers in Taiwan, encompassing ride-hailing, delivery, and house chore services, participated in this questionnaire survey. A 5-item scale was created to assess platform-mediated labor control. Psychosocial work conditions, including demands, job control, work rewards, and mental well-being, including burnout and self-rated mental health status, were assessed using validated instruments. Cronbach's α and principal component analysis were employed to assess the validity of the labor control scale. Logistic regression analysis and path analysis were conducted to investigate the relationship between labor control and workers' mental health.
Results
Exploratory factor analyses confirmed the structural validity and the internal consistency of the scale. Logistic regression models revealed that higher levels of labor control were associated with an increased risk of burnout and poorer mental health. Path analyses further indicated that higher labor control through digital platforms raised mental health risks by increasing job demands.
Conclusion
Algorithmic management is associated with increased stress among platform workers as they try to meet the platform's performance metrics.
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