New Study Highlights the Impact of Sexual Harassment on Gig Workers
Recent research explores the adverse effects of sexual harassment on gig workers’ well-being and job performance, highlighting the benefits of collective support in mitigating harm.
The Persistent Effects of Harassment
A rideshare driver encountering a passenger who makes repeated unwanted sexual remarks may find that the experience lingers long after the trip ends. Feelings of anxiety, distraction, and anger can persist, ultimately influencing the driver’s subsequent interactions with other customers.
The Scope of the Research
Published in the Journal of Business and Psychology, the study investigates how harassment in the gig economy affects workers and emphasizes the role of collective support as a protective factor. The research team, led by Yijue Liang from George Mason University, includes scholars from Rice University and Texas A&M University.
The Unique Challenges Faced by Gig Workers
Many gig economy roles, such as rideshare driving, food delivery, and cleaning services, involve direct customer interaction without the presence of coworkers or supervisors. This isolation often leaves workers without a clear channel for reporting incidents or seeking help when facing harassment.
Psychological Responses to Harassment
The study identifies two primary psychological responses to harassment. The first, termed psychological distress, encompasses feelings of anxiety and emotional exhaustion, leading workers to withdraw or reduce their job efforts. The second, known as self-threat, arises when harassment undermines a worker’s sense of dignity or competence, resulting in negative interactions with customers.
The Role of Collective Support
Encouragingly, the research reveals that access to union or union-like organizations can diminish the detrimental impacts of harassment on workplace behavior. Workers affiliated with such organizations benefit from community, shared experiences, and support—vital resources often absent in gig employment.
Implications for Companies
The findings prompt significant recommendations for gig economy companies, including the establishment of clearer harassment reporting mechanisms, enabling customer ratings, providing safety resources before job acceptance, and taking decisive action against customers with a history of harassment.
Addressing the Need for Worker Protections
This research raises critical questions regarding the protections available to independent contractors in the gig economy. It underscores the necessity of recognizing the human element underlying app-based transactions, drawing attention to the need for dignity and safety for all workers.
As Assistant Professor Tianjun Sun remarks, “The convenience of the gig economy can render the workers invisible. We hope this study fosters a greater appreciation for the dignity and safety gig workers deserve.”
Source: Rice University
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