What is known about the health of location-based and online web-based digital labour platform workers? A scoping review of the literature.

BACKGROUND

Digital labour platforms are transforming work organization, offering new opportunities but also raising concerns about precarious conditions and health risks. Despite increasing attention to platform work, limited research has examined its direct impact on workers' physical, mental, and social well-being.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this scoping review is to examine current empirical studies investigating the health effects of working via digital labour platforms, aiming to (i) summarize the existing evidence, (ii) pinpoint knowledge gaps, and (iii) identify areas for methodological enhancements.

METHODS

We search for peer-reviewed studies published until December 2024 from Web of Science and PubMed, alongside grey literature. Inclusion criteria covered papers with original data, using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods, resulting in 40 included studies. A pre-established theoretical framework guided result reporting, emphasizing three characteristics affecting worker health: (i) business practices, (ii) employment conditions, and (iii) work environment hazards.

RESULTS

In summary, literature shows a link between digital platform work and poor health. The current evidence, mainly focused on mental health and location-based platform workers, highlights factors contributing to poor physical and mental health, including low-quality employment conditions and psychosocial work environment hazards. Limited evidence suggests a correlation between business practices-algorithmic management and rating systems-and poor mental health. Knowledge gaps include the health impact of web-based platforms, especially medical consultation ones and location-based domestic and care services platforms, and less-explored outcomes like musculoskeletal pain and occupational injuries. Methodological limitations, such as low sample size and lack of control groups, were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

This review identifies methodological improvements and knowledge gaps, guiding future research to comprehend the impact of digital platform work on health. As legislation evolves to enhance platform workers' job conditions, researching their health is crucial for offering practical recommendations and shaping evidence-based policies.