Multidimensional Impacts on Workers in the Gig Economy: A Systematic Literature Review

Driven by digital technology, the gig economy is reshaping labour markets in developing Asian cities, where location-based workers—such as drivers, couriers, and domestic helpers—form a major share and play a key role in social and economic development of the region. However, this flexible work model also brings many challenges, such as unstable income, unsafe working conditions, and limited access to social protection, which increase workers’ vulnerabilities. These issues raise questions about whether gig workers can participate in and remain in this labour market sustainably. This study uses a systematic review with the PRISMA method, combined with qualitative content analysis, to explore the factors affecting Asian gig workers. The results show that workers are affected by three main groups of factors: (1) platform technology and algorithms, (2) policies and legal frameworks, and (3) workers’ efforts to adapt and resist. These factors interact in complex ways, shaping both the risks and opportunities. Based on these findings, this study suggests policy measures to improve social protection, limit platform power, and promote a fairer and more sustainable gig economy. The goal is to reduce workers’ vulnerability while supporting the contributions of location-based gig workers, ensuring that their work is safer and more sustainable in the rapidly changing digital labour market.