Work meaningfulness and IT sector gig workers of immigrant origin: a qualitative exploration

The gig economy has emerged as a transformative force in modern labour markets, offering flexible, project-based work arrangements facilitated by digital platforms. This study investigates how immigrant information technology (IT) gig workers in Finland derive meaningfulness from their work in the gig economy. Using a qualitative analysis of 12 semi-structured interviews, the findings highlight that autonomy and flexibility empower workers to align their tasks with personal values and professional aspirations. Participants also leveraged skill development, role crafting, and an entrepreneurial mindset to establish professional identities, mitigating the stigma and precarity often associated with gig work. However, significant challenges, including financial insecurity, lack of benefits, and platform constraints, hinder the full realization of meaningful work. This study contributes to the literature on meaningful work and gig employment by presenting a framework that captures the dynamic interplay between empowerment, identity formation, and structural barriers. The findings offer actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners to support the integration, career development, and well-being of immigrant gig workers in high-skilled sectors.