World employment and social outlook: the role of digital labour platforms in transforming the world of work

Technological innovation is transforming every part of our lives. The ability to quickly and cheaply exchange large amounts of data and information has laid the foundations for the rise of the digital economy and digital labour platforms. In both developed and developing countries businesses and consumers have embraced this transformation, as services and goods are delivered in ways that are cheaper and more convenient. This report examines how digital labour platforms are transforming the world of work and how that affects employers and workers. It focuses on two main types of digital labour platform: online web-based platforms, where tasks are performed online and remotely by workers, and location-based platforms, where tasks are performed at a specified physical location by individuals, such as taxi drivers and delivery workers. The report offers a comprehensive picture of the experience of workers and businesses drawing on surveys and interviews with some 12,000 workers and representatives of 85 businesses around the world, in multiple sectors. It also provides insights into the digital labour platform as a business model, examines regulatory responses across the globe, and presents a way forward to ensure all platform work is decent work.

Edited excerpts from publication. Show less