Use of Relational eHRM Tools in Gig Worker Platforms

One potential shortcoming of the emerging gig economy is the reduced ability of gig workers to meet their social and relatedness needs through their work. Using self-determination theory (SDT) as a theoretical foundation, we examine how gig work platforms currently use their technology for managing relationships with gig workers. We develop a framework consisting of four main attributes: relationship content, relationship duration, relational eHRM function, and social eHRM type. We then analyze the eHRM resources offered on 20 gig work platforms, evaluating the extent to which they are aligned with the framework. All platforms analyzed included some relational eHRM resources. Relationship content tends to be focused on tasks or career development, and relationship duration tends to be short. All three of the relational eHRM types (communication, training and development, and performance management) are currently found on gig platforms. Many of the eHRM resources are available to an open audience, but some of the resources with the potentially highest value are kept internal and are available only to people in particular roles. We discuss practical implications and directions for future research on this topic, suggesting that eHRM systems more focused on relational functions could be used to help gig workers meet their relatedness needs.