Commission tasked with examining mental health strains and requirements among freelance laborers in the gig economy
Award-winning training organisation, Calmer, has been enlisted to ascertain the best methods to bolster mental health support for London's gig economy workers. Following exhaustive research into the challenges faced by these workers, Calmer has launched a survey open to gig workers until November 20th. After analyzing the responses, they will host a free webinar on November 28th, an event aimed at gig workers, entrepreneurs, and businesses prioritizing the wellbeing of gig economy professionals.
Tania Diggory, founder and director of Calmer, expressed delight at the commission to assist Londoners whose livelihoods depend on virtual platforms. She underscored the unique nature of the concerns presented in large urban communities, which rely excessively on shift, support, and delivery services while disregarding the workers providing these services. These jobs are often physically grueling, with workers often cycling or standing for extended hours, adding physical strain to the mental pressures commonly experienced by London workers.
The gig economy encompasses individuals with temporary jobs or independent contracts, paid job-by-job rather than earning a conventional wage. The term is increasingly used to describe people who trade their time and skills through online platforms, providing services to third parties as a form of paid employment.
Gig workers form a crucial aspect of London's functioning, including the likes of delivery drivers, riders, carers, and desk-based gig workers. Approximately 20% of London's population now engages in some form of gig work, marking an ever-evolving and expanding market.
Diggory emphasized that gig economy professionals frequently grapple with a range of daily issues, including unpredictable work patterns, job insecurity, working off-hours, irregular or low pay, and loneliness. The aim of this project, Diggory explained, is to shed light on these issues and offer solutions, hoping to catalyze a broader conversation on strengthening the rights and support for gig economy workers.
Calmer is requesting anyone working full- or part-time through platform- or app-based work within London and the Greater London area to share their views on mental health through a 12-question survey, expected to take approximately 3 minutes to complete. All feedback will be instrumental in helping Calmer support the mental wellbeing of gig workers and their communities.
The forthcoming webinar, slated for 5pm-6.30pm on November 28th, aims to dissect the merits and challenges associated with gig economy work, as well as outline the essential support required to ensure mentally healthy, supportive, and secure working conditions for gig workers. The focus is primarily on addressing common mental health concerns faced by gig economy workers and presenting practical strategies to improve their wellbeing, taking into account their specific needs and work scenarios. The session will be led by Tania Diggory, a burnout-prevention expert at Calmer, and is open to gig workers, entrepreneurs, and business teams committed to developing research and support for gig economy workers.
The ever-growing reliance on the gig economy necessitates increased attention to the mental health and burnout prevention needs of gig workers. Encouraging the use of AI tools for mental health support, emphasizing work-life balance, and advocating for policy changes that value the wellbeing of these workers promise to foster positive changes for the gig economy.
- Tania Diggory, a burnout-prevention expert at Calmer, is set to lead a webinar on November 28th, focusing on the mental health challenges faced by gig workers and providing practical strategies for improving self-care.
- The survey conducted by Calmer, open to gig workers until November 20th, aims to gather insights on the unique mental health issues these professionals face, ultimately contributing to the development of science-backed workplace wellness initiatives.
- To foster a mentally healthy, supportive, and secure working environment for gig economy workers, it's essential to address common mental health concerns, advocate for health-and-wellness policies, and embrace AI tools for mental health support.
