Work

Lonely Work: Gig Work, Workplace Technology and Working-Class Loneliness

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: In this paper, I argue that changes in the structure of low-income work and developments in workplace technology have stripped away many of the essential social goods provided by such work. I identify the rise of platform gig work, adoption of automation tools, and use of employee efficiency monitoring technologies as developments that have both squeezed opportunities for socialization out of the workday and made it more difficult to find and plan social activities outside the workplace. I argue that the desocialization of work is a matter of justice that should concern states and suggest a number of potential regulations and pro-worker reforms to address the problem.

Source: Journal of Business Ethics

DOI: 10.1007/s10551-026-06289-6

Author: Chris Bousquet

Institution: College of the Holy Cross

Language: English

Topic: Digital Economy and Work Transformation

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Reduced inequalities, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,790