Algorithmic management, wellbeing and platform work: understanding the psychosocial risks and experiences of food couriers in Finland

Abstract

Digitalisation has made algorithmic management a defining feature of platform work. This study explores the psychosocial stresses and risks associated with different algorithmic management practices and analyses the applicability of Job Demand-Control-Support model in examining food delivery platform work. Our findings draw from 30 semi-structured interviews with platform food couriers in Finland. We applied Job Demand-Control-Support framework as the analysis matrix to inductive qualitative content analysis and compared the algorithmic management practices of the two dominant food delivery platforms in Finland. This study established that algorithmic management had direct and indirect intertwined negative psychosocial influence on couriers. These impacts were varied and were related to how algorithmic management was employed by the platforms. We also found that algorithmic management can increase work demands, decrease couriers’ control over their work, and limit workplace support. The study demonstrated that Job Demand-Control-Support model is suitable for analysing stress related to algorithmic management and platform work. This supports its application in future quantitative analyses. Our study deepens the understanding of psychosocial issues associated with the emerging trend of algorithmic management in workplaces, which is a fundamental dimension of the future of work. It highlights the need for regulatory measures relevant in ensuring healthy work environments.