Psychosocial work environment and mental wellbeing of food delivery platform workers in Helsinki, Finland: A qualitative study

ABSTRACT

Purpose

Food delivery platform work is a relatively new phenomenon in Finland and has not been studied widely hence limited knowledge on its work environment. The aim of this study was to explore and understand its psychosocial work environment in the Helsinki region and how it relates to the mental wellbeing of its couriers.

Methods

The study draws its findings from 20 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with food delivery platform workers in Helsinki. Data were approached through thematic analysis where the six phases of thematic analysis were meticulously followed.

Results

Food delivery platform work provided couriers with income and labour market opportunities. However, its work environment was psychosocially burdening, which posed detrimental challenges to the mental wellbeing of its couriers.

Conclusion

Study findings indicated that food delivery platform workers worked in an onerous work environment, which accentuated their occupational mental health. Thus, this study recommends future longitudinal research that would examine the association between food delivery platform work and mental health of couriers working through such platforms. Also, interventions and policies that aim at improving its psychosocial work environment are required for a more decent and healthier work environment that enhances mental health and wellbeing of its couriers.

KEYWORDS:

• Platform work
• Psychosocial work environment
• Mental health
• Wellbeing
• Gig work
• Food courier

Acknowledgments

Deepest appreciation goes to my PhD supervisors: Professor Meri Koivusalo and Dr. Mikko Perkiö for their scientific advice and guidance.

Disclosure statement

This author declares that there is no any form of conflict or competing interest associated with this study.

Ethical approval and considerations

This study was part of a project proposal by Professor Meri Koivusalo of Tampere University, which received an ethical approval from the Tampere University Research Ethics Board. The reference number for the approval was “lausunto 54/2020 lausuntopyynnöstä 28/2020: “Tutkimuskokonaisuus Transportation and Food Delivery Platforms during COVID-19/RRR-platform” (professori Meri Koivusalo, kansanterveystiede/-politiikka). Nonetheless, the study was guided by and carried out in line with the ethical principles drawn up by the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity, TENK (see TENK, 2019). In accordance, respect, privacy, anonymity and confidentiality of participants were ensured all throughout the research process right from the beginning to the end. Thus, participants were identified by codes (i.e., FH01, through to FH20). Before each interview, explicit guidance on the right to withdraw from the research and/or stop the interview were given. Participants’ consent to participate in the interviews were obtained by signing a consent document for (face-to-face interviews) and by allowing recording of their consent for (virtual interviews).

Additional information

Funding

This study did not receive funding in any of its stages.

Notes on contributors

Benta Mbare

Benta Mbare (MHSc; RN), is doctoral researcher in the doctoral programme in health sciences in the faculty of social sciences at Tampere University, in Tampere, Finland. While she has a multifacated expertise in the field of health sciences, her current research is focused on the broader field of occupational health and wellbeing with a focus on work psychology and is examining the platformisation of work.