THE EVOLVING WORKFORCE: EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF THE GIG ECONOMY ON EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING, ORGANIZATIONAL PRODUCTIVITY, AND INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP
Zorica Katušića, Jasminka Samardžijab
aRIT Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia.
bRIT Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia, jasminka.samardzija@croatia.rit.edu
Abstract
This study examines the impact of the gig economy on employee well-being, organizational productivity, and inclusive leadership. Drawing on a systematic review of secondary sources, including peer-reviewed articles and industry reports identified via Google Scholar and RIT libraries, the research design involved thematic analysis of key studies on digital labor platforms. Findings indicate that gig work affords autonomy and schedule flexibility, improving perceived empowerment and work–life balance, but simultaneously introduces financial insecurity, inconsistent earnings, and stress induced by algorithmic management. At the organizational level, firms capitalize on cost savings and rapid access to specialized skills through gig engagements, yet face challenges in fostering team cohesion, loyalty, and sustained productivity due to the transactional nature of gig relationships. Inclusive leadership practices emerge as a critical intervention: transparent performance metrics, regular feedback channels, opportunities for skill development, and formal recognition enhance trust, collaboration, and engagement across hybrid teams. Theoretically, the study contributes by integrating algorithmic oversight and inclusive leadership constructs into an overarching employee engagement framework in digitalized labor markets, extending existing organizational behavior models. The framework also underscores the interplay between individual agency and technological governance, offering a basis for future empirical validation. Practical implications include leveraging digital collaboration platforms to bridge communication gaps, implementing transparent algorithmic governance, and formulating policies that balance workforce flexibility with essential protections. Limitations of this study arise from its reliance on secondary literature, the absence of primary empirical data, and potential selection bias in source materials. Future research should undertake longitudinal, sector-specific investigations and cross-cultural comparisons to validate and refine the proposed framework, thereby informing evidence-based management and policy interventions in the evolving workforce.
Keywords: Gig economy; Employee well-being; Algorithmic management; Inclusive leadership; Organizational productivity
To be cited as: Katušić, Z. and Samardžija, J. (2025) The evolving workforce: Examining the impact of the gig economy on employee well-being, organizational productivity, and inclusive leadership. International Journal of Management Courses, 27(1), pp. 26-33.