A Systematic Literature Review of the Gig Economy: Insights into Worker Experiences, Policy Implications, and the Impact of Digitalization

The gig economy has fundamentally altered the labor landscape around the world, creating opportunities but also challenges. With adherence to the PRISMA guidelines, this systematic literature review synthesizes results from 31 studies retrieved from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. It explores three areas of focus: worker well-being, legal and policy aspects, and how digitalization reshapes job structures and skills. The analysis found that gig workers suffer from job insecurity, lack of social protections and mental health issues, often exacerbated by algorithm-based management. This lack of regulation, notably in the Global South, leads to misclassification of workers and inconsistent labor rights. Additionally, although digitalization improves both recognition of and access to skills, it widens knowledge gaps and income inequality. The review highlights the importance of targeted interventions, including training, mentorship, and inclusive governance, to balance flexibility with worker protections. This research synthesizes insights from several disciplines to offer a framework that can guide future research and policymaking in the developing gig economy.