Exploring Work Motivation in Malaysia’s Gig Economy: A Study on Millennials’ Involvement and Influencing Factors

Abstract

The rise of the gig economy has indeed changed the face of the modern workforce, with more millennials engaging in it because of the flexibility and autonomy derived from such a work environment. This study explores the key factors influencing millennial participation in Malaysia's gig economy, focusing on flexibility, independence, and skill competence. We analysed data from 384 millennials using a structured questionnaire through Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis. Results show that flexibility is the strongest motivator, followed by independence and skill competence. These findings underscore the need for policies that promote gig workers' autonomy and skill competence while addressing income instability. This study provides a localised perspective on work motivation within Malaysia's digital economy. These results have considerable implications for researchers and policy actors in understanding millennial gig worker dynamics and crafting interventions to improve their work experiences within the emerging digital economy. This study further contributes to the more extensive discussion on the future of work, especially in developing economies like Malaysia.