Work Life Integration Challenges and Psychological Well-Being of Women in India’s Gig Economy: A Critical Review for HRM and Platform Management Strategies

Ankesh Anand; Vikash Kumar

doi:10.69968/ijisem.2026v5i2314-321

Authors

Ankesh Anand Independent Researcher, Psychology, Patna-800013 (Bihar) Email ID: Raj.hanccy143@gmail.com / ORCID ID- https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6497-2087
Vikash Kumar Independent Researcher, Psychology, Patna-800013 (Bihar) Email id: vickysinghpsy1995@gmail.com

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69968/ijisem.2026v5i2314-321

Keywords:

Gig Economy, Work–Life Integration, Psychological Well-Being, Women Gig Workers, Human Resource Management

Abstract

The gig economy has become a growing employment pattern in India, providing flexible work opportunities through digital platforms and freelance agreements. The flexible work hours, work from home options, and income generation opportunities have helped to drive a significant increase in women's participation in the gig and platform-based economy. Despite this, women gig workers still face a range of issues linked to work–life integration, income insecurity, absence of social protection, work insecurity and psychological stress. This review paper critically explores the notion of work–life integration, the nature, and the characteristics of gig work in India, and the role of women in gig work through platforms. The paper also explores the potential of Human Resource Management (HRM) strategies and platform management practices for better employee wellbeing and women-friendly work settings. Secondary data has been used to conduct the study, which was gathered from research articles, reports, and academic literature on the gig economy and involvement of women in the workforce. The results show that supportive HRM policies, safety measures, social security benefits and gender sensitivity in HRM are fundamental to ensure psychological well-being and sustainable employment for women gig workers in India.

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