Calmer, an award-winning training organisation empowering entrepreneurs, freelancers, and business teams to prevent burnout and nurture good mental health, has been commissioned to identify how best to support London’s gig economy workers. After extensive research into the issues, they have launched a survey for gig workers to have their say up until 20th November, and following this, they will host a free webinar open to gig workers, entrepreneurs, and businesses that are dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of those in the gig economy. 

“We are delighted to have been commissioned to support Londoners who are reliant upon virtual platforms for their work,” said Tania Diggory, founder and director of Calmer. “This issue uniquely – though not exclusively – touches on large urban communities that rely on shift, support, and delivery services without acknowledging the workers providing these services. These are often physically demanding jobs, with workers either riding bikes or standing on their feet for hours, adding bodily stress to other stresses more common to London workers.”

The gig economy can be defined “as a way of working based on people having temporary jobs or doing separate pieces of work, each paid separately, rather than working for an employer”. Increasingly, it refers to people who trade their time and skills through online platforms (websites or apps), providing a service to a third party as a form of paid employment. 

Gig workers are a fundamental part of how London works. From delivery drivers and riders to carers and desk-based gig workers, over 20% of London’s population now does some form of gig work. It’s an ever-evolving and expanding market.

“There are a range of prevalent issues faced by gig economy professionals on a daily basis, including but not limited to uneven work patterns, job insecurity, working anti-social hours, irregular or low pay, and loneliness,” continues Tania Diggory. “This project aims to highlight and address these issues, with the hope of sparking a wider conversation in the working world about strengthening the rights and support for gig economy workers.”

Take the survey: mental well-being for London gig-based economy workers 

Calmer is asking anyone working full- or part-time through platform- or app-based work within London and the Greater London area for their opinion and feedback on their mental wellbeing through their survey of 12 questions, which will take approximately 3 minutes to complete.

All feedback will help them to help you and your community feel more supported with your mental wellbeing.

Attend the free webinar on 28th November at 5pm–6.30pm on how to improve your mental wellbeing as a gig economy worker.

This webinar is dedicated to unpacking the benefits and the challenges associated  with gig economy work, as well as identifying the vital support needed to ensure  mentally healthy, supportive and safe working conditions.

Primarily, the aim is to address common mental health challenges faced by gig  economy workers, and provide practical strategies and resources to improve their  wellbeing, specific to their needs and working situation.

This webinar, led by burnout-prevention expert Tania Diggory at Calmer, will:

• Identify the latest research and evidence highlighting current working conditions within the gig economy, including case studies and real-life experiences
• Explore what support is available and identify gaps where further support is needed.
• Provide a suite of burnout-prevention strategies and self-care modalities to support the mental wellbeing of gig workers, as well as a range of helpful, accessible resources.

This session is open to gig workers, entrepreneurs, and business teams who are  dedicated to developing research and support for gig economy workers.