Work meaningfulness and IT sector gig workers of immigrant origin: a qualitative exploration
Shahzad, Faisal; Arslan, Ahmad; Gupta, Renu; Saleem, Sharjeel (2025-06-23)
Avaa tiedosto
Sisältö avataan julkiseksi: 23.06.2026
Bristol University Press
23.06.2025
Shahzad, F., Arslan, A., Gupta, R., & Saleem, S. (2025). Work meaningfulness and IT sector gig workers of immigrant origin: a qualitative exploration. Work in the Global Economy (published online ahead of print 2025). Retrieved Jun 26, 2025, from https://doi.org/10.1332/27324176Y2025D000000039
https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
© Authors 2025. This is a post-peer-review, pre-copy edited version of a chapter published in Work in the Global Economy. The definitive publisher-authenticated version Shahzad, F., Arslan, A., Gupta, R., & Saleem, S. (2025). Work meaningfulness and IT sector gig workers of immigrant origin: a qualitative exploration. Work in the Global Economy (published online ahead of print 2025) is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1332/27324176Y2025D000000039
https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
© Authors 2025. This is a post-peer-review, pre-copy edited version of a chapter published in Work in the Global Economy. The definitive publisher-authenticated version Shahzad, F., Arslan, A., Gupta, R., & Saleem, S. (2025). Work meaningfulness and IT sector gig workers of immigrant origin: a qualitative exploration. Work in the Global Economy (published online ahead of print 2025) is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1332/27324176Y2025D000000039
https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:oulu-202506264983
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:oulu-202506264983
Tiivistelmä
Abstract
The gig economy has emerged as a transformative force in modern labour markets, offering flexible, project-based work arrangements facilitated by digital platforms. This study investigates how immigrant information technology (IT) gig workers in Finland derive meaningfulness from their work in the gig economy. Using a qualitative analysis of 12 semi-structured interviews, the findings highlight that autonomy and flexibility empower workers to align their tasks with personal values and professional aspirations. Participants also leveraged skill development, role crafting, and an entrepreneurial mindset to establish professional identities, mitigating the stigma and precarity often associated with gig work. However, significant challenges, including financial insecurity, lack of benefits, and platform constraints, hinder the full realization of meaningful work. This study contributes to the literature on meaningful work and gig employment by presenting a framework that captures the dynamic interplay between empowerment, identity formation, and structural barriers. The findings offer actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners to support the integration, career development, and well-being of immigrant gig workers in high-skilled sectors.
The gig economy has emerged as a transformative force in modern labour markets, offering flexible, project-based work arrangements facilitated by digital platforms. This study investigates how immigrant information technology (IT) gig workers in Finland derive meaningfulness from their work in the gig economy. Using a qualitative analysis of 12 semi-structured interviews, the findings highlight that autonomy and flexibility empower workers to align their tasks with personal values and professional aspirations. Participants also leveraged skill development, role crafting, and an entrepreneurial mindset to establish professional identities, mitigating the stigma and precarity often associated with gig work. However, significant challenges, including financial insecurity, lack of benefits, and platform constraints, hinder the full realization of meaningful work. This study contributes to the literature on meaningful work and gig employment by presenting a framework that captures the dynamic interplay between empowerment, identity formation, and structural barriers. The findings offer actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners to support the integration, career development, and well-being of immigrant gig workers in high-skilled sectors.
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