Many assume the gig economy is a new form of work, but that would be wrong. In 1776, economist Adam Smith remarked that workers “when they are liberally paid by the piece, are very apt to overwork themselves, and to ruin their health and constitution in a few years.”
The formation of unions in the early 20th century ended many of these practices, but the practice has made a comeback in recent years with the evolution of the gig economy — in which workers are paid based on individual tasks or jobs — and there is now some research that suggests this type of work is unhealthy for individuals.
Many workers have embraced the gig economy work model, preferring the freedom to work when and where they want. Opponents argue that companies are taking advantage of workers, who have few labor protections enjoyed by full-time and even part-time employees. These protections include workers’ compensation, paid time off and health benefits.
The research was led by University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health (UTHealth) alumnus Robert Thomas; Gretchen Gemeinhardt, associate professor of management policy and community health; Paula Cuccaro, assistant professor of health promotion and behavioral sciences; and John Davis, the immediate past commissioner of the Texas Workforce Commission. The authors concluded that gig work leads to a “negative impact on the overall health and well-being of U.S. workers,” according to a news release from the school.
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