THE EFFECT OF GIG WORK ON EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING: MEDIATING ROLE OF WORKPLACE FLEXIBILITY

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between gig work and employee well-being, with a focus on the mediating role of workplace flexibility. As the gig economy continues to reshape traditional employment models, understanding how these flexible arrangements affect worker outcomes has become increasingly important. Drawing on the Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) model and Self-Determination Theory (SDT), this research explores whether workplace flexibility can explain how gig work influences well-being. Included among the 346 gig workers the data were gathered based on standardized scales of gig work, workplace flexibility, and well-being. The statistical tests that were carried out such as regression analysis or Mediation analysis through the PROCESS macro showed that the level of gig work improves significantly the well-being of the employees, and that this connection is in part mediated by flexibility at work. This research also gives attention to the relevance of autonomy and flexible work arrangements to positive psychological outcomes in gig workers. The paper has theoretical implications and practical implications on platform designers and policymakers interested in the sustainable employment in the gig economy.