Digital Labour and the Gig Economy: Mapping Trends and Future Research Directions

Abstract

Global employment structures, organizational cultures, and workforce dynamics are being reshaped by digital labour and the gig economy. The current study methodically mapping the intellectual landscape of digital labour, platform work, crowd work, and gig employment. In addition to a qualitative examination of highly cited works, a bibliometric study is presented in this article with a literature count from the year 2016 to 2023. The results show that research production on the theme digital labour and the gig economy has increased significantly since COVID-19 pandemic, with worker precarity (Butler, Judith (2012)), platform governance, algorithmic management, and the sustainability of remote labour emerging as key concerns. New clusters draw attention to the connections between labour rights, digital inclusion, and knowledge management. By summarising existing trends and highlighting the role of digital labour, platform work, and platform governance, considering the ethical and regulatory framework. This research lays the groundwork for scholars, professionals, and politicians to better comprehend the intricacies of gig work and to create inclusive, long-lasting plans for the future of work.