Building Inclusive and Equitable Gig Economies for Sustainable Global Growth

The gig economy has reshaped labor markets by offering flexible work but also presents challenges such as income instability, lack of social protections, digital access barriers, and sustainability concerns. This chapter examines these issues using secondary research and primary data from a survey of 250 gig workers across ride-hailing, food delivery, freelancing, and domestic services. Findings indicate that 70% face income volatility, 60% lack essential benefits, and 55% experience algorithmic bias in job allocation. Digital access limitations further hinder opportunities, especially in rural areas. The chapter explores regulatory frameworks, technological innovations, and sustainability initiatives, proposing solutions like fair wage policies, algorithmic transparency, and improved worker protections. By addressing structural inequities, this research contributes to discussions on labor rights, platform accountability, and the sustainable evolution of the gig economy.