Redefining Professional Inclusion for Gig Economy Independent Workers

Abstract

The expansion of the gig economy has profoundly transformed work arrangements, challenging traditional approaches to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) that are largely grounded in stable employment relationships and centralized organizational structures. Independent workers operating through digital platforms increasingly face precarious working conditions, limited access to social protection, and a lack of professional recognition, exacerbated by algorithmic management and opaque governance mechanisms. Drawing on an integrative and critical review of the literature, this article develops a conceptual framework for understanding professional inclusion in the platform economy. The proposed framework distinguishes professional inclusion, centered on the recognition of skills, autonomy, and procedural fairness, from social inclusion, which relates to belonging and network integration. The analysis highlights the complementary roles of managers, digital platforms, and public policies in fostering inclusive work environments beyond organizational boundaries. By articulating issues of algorithmic transparency, benefit portability, and participatory governance, this study contributes to the advancement of DEI theory in non-standard work contexts. The article concludes by outlining avenues for operationalization and future empirical research aimed at testing and refining the proposed framework.   Classification JEL: J24 Paper type: Theoretical paperThe expansion of the gig economy has profoundly transformed work arrangements, challenging traditional approaches to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) that are largely grounded in stable employment relationships and centralized organizational structures. Independent workers operating through digital platforms increasingly face precarious working conditions, limited access to social protection, and a lack of professional recognition, exacerbated by algorithmic management and opaque governance mechanisms. Drawing on an integrative and critical review of the literature, this article develops a conceptual framework for understanding professional inclusion in the platform economy. The proposed framework distinguishes professional inclusion, centered on the recognition of skills, autonomy, and procedural fairness, from social inclusion, which relates to belonging and network integration. The analysis highlights the complementary roles of managers, digital platforms, and public policies in fostering inclusive work environments beyond organizational boundaries. By articulating issues of algorithmic transparency, benefit portability, and participatory governance, this study contributes to the advancement of DEI theory in non-standard work contexts. The article concludes by outlining avenues for operationalization and future empirical research aimed at testing and refining the proposed framework. Classification JEL: J24 Paper type: Theoretical pape