GIG WORKERS AMONG WOMEN, A BETTER CHOICE OF WORK? A CASE STUDY OF MAKCIK TRAVELS

Abstract

The evolution of information technology has formed an information society whereby all activities can be reached by surfing through an online platform. Business organisations have also transformed virtually through which the physical absence of employees is less necessary. There are two types of gig works introduced, which are known as physical gig works (workers need to carry out tasks physically) or digital gig works (tasks will be conducted entirely through online platforms from beginning to end). These so-called gig works offer flexible work arrangements and a more family-friendly work environment that benefits married working women notably in achieving work-life balance. The present study would like to understand the motivational factors influencing women’s participation in physical gig works towards achieving work-life balance. A qualitative method was used whereby nine respondents for interviews were recruited through convenience sampling from the case study. The findings derived from the thematic analysis revealed that flexibility in time management and autonomy in managing the work schedule were recorded as the second highest factors after generating income. As a majority of the participants were single mothers, these factors (income and flexibility) should be the major concerns for future research on the enhancement of policies for an effective gig work system so that these women can have freedom in managing their work-life balance.