Financial Behaviour, Income Security and Job Satisfaction Among Gig Workers in Chennai

The rapid growth of the gig economy and app-based services has fundamentally transformed traditional employment structures, altering how independent contractors manage their finances. Among delivery and ride share platform workers, flexible earning models offer immediate income opportunities while introducing significant financial instability and a lack of traditional employment benefits. Although these platforms are commonly perceived as flexible pathways to financial independence, their influence on long-term income security and daily financial behaviour raises an important question: do platform-based earnings support sustainable financial well-being, or do they trap workers in cycles of income volatility and financial vulnerability? The central focus of this study was to examine the financial behaviour and income security of gig economy workers operating within delivery and ride share sectors. The study sought to understand how income volatility influences budgeting practices, saving habits, debt accumulation, and long-term financial planning. It further explored how the absence of structured safety nets such as healthcare, retirement contributions, and paid leave affects workers’ financial stress and risk-management strategies. The study also aimed to identify the socio-demographic and platform-specific factors that determine financial stability, including weekly working hours, platform algorithms, expense structures (e.g., fuel and maintenance), and reliance on gig work as a primary versus supplementary income source. A quantitative research approach was adopted, with primary data collected from delivery riders and ride share drivers through a structured questionnaire. Appropriate statistical techniques were used to analyse the collected data and examine the relationship between platform work dynamics and overall income security. By examining the behavioural and structural impact of platform-based employment, the study provided a deeper understanding of the financial realities faced by vulnerable gig workers. The findings provide evidence that targeted financial products, portable benefit systems, and regulatory frameworks are necessary to protect gig workers.