Digital labour platforms and the future of work

One of the major transformations in the world of work over the past decade has been the emergence of online digital labour platforms. This new form of work has not only disrupted existing business models but also the employment model upon which these business models relied. Work on digital labour platforms provides workers the opportunity to work from any place, at any time and take up whatever jobs suits them. However, there are also some risks from engaging in such work with regard to their status of employment, whether they receive adequate income, social protection and other benefits. The opportunities and risks that the workers face raise questions about what motivates these workers to undertake this form of work. Do these motivations vary across different parts of the world? And what are the consequences for workers of engaging in this form of work?