Reflections on the Gig Economy's Impact on Mental Health and Wellness 1

ASSESSMENT
4
Reflections on the Gig Economy's Impact on
Mental Health and Wellness

22, SEPTEMBER 2024

 Reflections on the Gig Economy's Impact on Mental Health and Wellness 2

Harmanpreet Kaur

20029936

Table of Contents
1. Introduction..........................................................................................................................3

2. Mental health and wellbeing knowledge and awareness in the gig economy: a

thought experiment..................................................................................................................3

3. Problems with Writing Research Papers on Resources for Gig Workers' Mental

Health and Wellbeing..............................................................................................................3

4. Application of Knowledge and Skills in Future Career..................................................4

5. Conclusion............................................................................................................................4

6. Reference List......................................................................................................................5
 Reflections on the Gig Economy's Impact on Mental Health and Wellness 3

1. Introduction
The gig economy, which is made up of short-term, flexible jobs, has changed the way people
work today in a big way. It has, however, brought about new issues, especially when it comes to
mental health and good health. A lot of the time, gig workers have issues that full-time workers do not
have, like not knowing if they will have a job, not getting paid on time, and not having benefits like paid
leave and health insurance. These things make people worry more and lead to a number of mental
health problems. This review paper's purpose is to look at how the class activities and tasks have
helped me understand these issues better. Through the jobs I have had and the lessons I have
learned from them, this report will show how my ideas about mental health problems in the gig
economy have changed over time. It will also talk about the issues I had while writing research papers
on mental health tools for gig workers and how dealing with them improved my research skills. Finally,
the report will talk about how what I have learned in this class will help me in my next job, whether it is
in human resources, making policies, or helping workers (Watson et al., 2021).

2. Mental health and wellbeing knowledge and awareness in the gig economy: a thought
experiment
Before I started this course, I did not know much about the mental health issues that are
common in the gig economy. Even though I did not know much about the problems gig workers face,
like not having a steady income and no benefits, I knew they were there. When I first heard about gig
workers, I thought that the biggest problem was that they had trouble paying their bills. The potential
effects of social isolation and employment uncertainty on mental health were not something I gave
much consideration to (Friedman, 2014).
My comprehension of the challenges to the mental health and welfare of gig workers was
much enhanced by the course assignments and activities. Examples of existing support systems that
were thoroughly examined for the mental health tool research projects include peer support networks
and online treatment services. Working on this project helped me learn about the different kinds of
help that workers can get at work. In addition, I thought about how useful this kind of help might be.
By reading case studies of successful treatments, they may get a better idea of the possible benefits
of different ways to deal with mental and physical health problems.
Given these events, I learnt a lot about the mental health problems that contract workers face,
especially when they are going through tough times, like losing their jobs and being alone. Long-term
emotional and mental health problems, like worry and depression, can be caused by not having
enough social support and a messy workplace. I also learnt how important it is to have family and
friends close by to help them through hard times. They could help them feel better and give them
good advice on how to handle the stress that comes with not having enough money.
For case research into a website that helps gig workers, I learnt that mental health tools and
neighbourhood groups were good for their health. People learnt how to deal with their thoughts and
how to handle their money on the website. It also helped them get ahead at work. It showed, among
other things, how important it is to get different kinds of help and how common mental health issues
are. It showed me how important it is to have people who can help people who are working (Arnoldi,
Bosua, and Dirksen, 2021).

3. Problems with Writing Research Papers on Resources for Gig Workers' Mental Health and
Wellbeing
Doing a few important things before I could write my study paper on tools for gig workers'
mental health and well-being was necessary. First, it was necessary to locate reliable information
sources. Some of these sources were business papers, student projects, and talks with professionals.
Getting mental health tools and understanding how useful they are required me to read and think
about a great deal. To complete this job, they had to look at various support systems and determine
how they impact the mental health of gig workers (Muntaner, 2018).
There were not many reliable sources of information available. Many of the studies and
papers they looked at were old or did not know enough about some tools. As a result, it was tough to
generate ideas that would function for all gig workers. Additionally, I had to research and think a lot in
order to comprehend and make sense of certain facts pertaining to mental health outcomes and the
effectiveness of support systems.
 Reflections on the Gig Economy's Impact on Mental Health and Wellness 4

There were several ways to handle these issues. Like business news, interviews with experts,
and case studies from around the world, I read more today. See more about the mental health
problems and help that gig workers need when they look at things this way. Talking about things with
my teachers and friends helped me learn important things and work better.
To figure out how to fix issues with data analysis, I used methods of critical review to see how
accurate and useful the data I collected was. Comments from teachers and peers on my papers also
helped me make sure they were right and full. These techniques helped me deal with the issues and
taught me more about the mental health resources that gig workers can use.
It taught me how important it is to learn with an open mind and the ability to think critically.
When I knew about the history and limits of different studies, I was able to look at the material with
more depth. I learned from this that it is important to keep studying and gathering fresh information in
order to handle fresh issues that come up in the gig economy. It also helped me learn more about
mental health problems and do better study (Anwar and Graham, 2019).

4. Application of Knowledge and Skills in Future Career

I want to help employees, work in human resources, or make rules at my next job. It would be
best if it were in a field with many gig workers. People in these jobs will be better able to deal with
problems with their mental health and well-being after reading this study. For me to make and use
support policies and programs that work, I need to understand the specific problems gig workers face.
As an example, I will be able to push for the creation of mental health tools that are
specifically designed for gig workers. Some of these tools are therapy services, websites that offer
group support, and help with planning. Because I can judge how well these programs work and make
decisions based on the data, I will be able to help make spaces that are good for gig workers and
meet their needs.
My work growth has been greatly affected by this course because it has helped me learn
more about mental health problems and how important it is to provide focused care. This course has
given me the skills I need to face these problems head-on and help make working conditions better
for gig workers. There are also improvements in my ability to research and analyze things, which will
help me in jobs where I have to make rules or help people (Zeng and McNamara, 2021).
.

5. Conclusion
In conclusion, this reflection report has shown the important things that were learned in the
course about the problems that come up with mental health and wellness in the gig economy. I have a
much better understanding of these problems and how important it is to have full support networks
because I have been to the events and done the tasks. Although it was hard for me to get ready to
write research papers, these experiences have helped me improve my study skills and willingness to
think critically. I am sure that the skills and information I have learned will help me a lot in my next job.
Their help will make it easier for me to deal with mental health issues and help build better support
networks for gig workers. This review shows how committed I am to using what I have learned to
make things better in my work life by showing my promise to do so.
 Reflections on the Gig Economy's Impact on Mental Health and Wellness 5

6. Reference List
Anwar, M.A. and Graham, M. (2019). Hidden transcripts of the gig economy: labour agency and the
new art of resistance among African gig workers. Environment and Planning A: Economy and Space,
[online] 52(7), p.0308518X1989458. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/0308518x19894584.
Arnoldi, E., Bosua, R. and Dirksen, V. (2021). Mapping themes for the wellbeing of low-skilled gig
workers: Implications for digital platform design. Transitions: Journal of Transient Migration, [online]
5(1), pp.55–75. doi:https://doi.org/10.1386/tjtm_00031_1.
Friedman, G. (2014). Workers without employers: shadow corporations and the rise of the gig
economy. Review of Keynesian Economics, [online] 2(2), pp.171–188.
doi:https://doi.org/10.4337/roke.2014.02.03.
Muntaner, C. (2018). Digital Platforms, Gig Economy, Precarious Employment, and the Invisible Hand
of Social Class. International Journal of Health Services, [online] 48(4), pp.597–600.
doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/0020731418801413.
Watson, G.P., Kistler, L.D., Graham, B.A. and Sinclair, R.R. (2021). Looking at the Gig Picture:
Defining Gig Work and Explaining Profile Differences in Gig Workers’ Job Demands and Resources.
Group & Organization Management, [online] 46(2), p.105960112199654.
doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/1059601121996548.
Zeng, G. and McNamara, B. (2021). Strategies Used to Support Peer Provision in Mental Health: A
Scoping Review. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research.
[online] doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-021-01118-6.