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Life in the Driver's Seat: A Qualitative Analysis of Rideshare Drivers' Perspectives of Their Work and Well-Being
Eric W Lundstrom1,2, Beth L Hoffman3, Kyla D Hagan-Haynes4
1Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|June 28, 2026
Summary
Rideshare drivers face financial instability and algorithmic control, yet value job flexibility. Their experiences highlight significant mental and physical well-being concerns in the gig economy.
Area of Science:
- Gig Economy Studies
- Platform Labor Research
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Rideshare driving is prevalent in the gig economy, offering flexibility but lacking stability, benefits, and income security.
- Algorithmic management in ridesharing raises concerns about worker health and well-being.
- The precarious nature of platform work necessitates understanding driver experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore rideshare drivers' perspectives on their work.
- To understand the implications of rideshare work for driver well-being.
- To identify key stressors and benefits reported by platform drivers.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory study analyzing 1034 Reddit posts from 2024.
- Thematic analysis of digital platform data.
- Qualitative examination of driver-generated content.
Main Results:
- Drivers report financial precarity alongside appreciation for scheduling flexibility.
- Awareness of algorithmic management impacting earnings potential.
- Experiences include passenger interactions, mental health stressors, and physical safety concerns.
Conclusions:
- Rideshare work presents diverse experiences impacting driver well-being.
- First-hand accounts reveal significant physical and mental health implications.
- Understanding driver perspectives is crucial for improving platform worker well-being.
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