World Employment and Social Outlook 2021

The role of digital labour platforms in transforming the world of work

This ILO flagship report explores how the contemporary platform economy is transforming the way work is organized, and analyses the impact of digital labour platforms on enterprises, workers and society as a whole.

The report offers a comprehensive picture of the experience of workers and businesses on online web-based and location-based platforms, drawing on surveys and interviews with some 12,000 workers and representatives of 85 businesses around the world, in multiple sectors. It also provides insights into the business model of digital labour platforms, examines regulatory responses around the globe, and presents a way forward to ensure that all platform work is decent work.