The Impact of the Gig Economy

This chapter discusses the impacts of the gig economy on labor markets in Europe. The gig economy and platform work have become popular topics, while reshaping the experience of work for increasingly larger numbers of people. However, too often debates around the gig economy lack empirical insight. This chapter seeks to introduce readers to these issues, starting with the preconditions that shape the emergence and dynamics of the gig economy. The next part examines the resulting labor market trends, including effects beyond the gig economy; the experience for workers, drawing on current research; and possible future directions, both positive and negative.