Abstract
This chapter critically assesses the inadequacy of traditional job quality frameworks in evaluating platform work and calls for new, platform-specific indicators. Using ILO survey data from 18,000 platform workers across various sectors and countries, the analysis reveals the limitations of focusing solely on traditional metrics. The chapter proposes a more nuanced approach that incorporates factors specific to working in this sector. Key findings show that, while platform work can be a primary income source, especially in developing countries, it is often marked by low, fluctuating pay and carries significant worker-borne costs. Meanwhile, job security is undermined by algorithmic control and the constant threat of deactivation; while the flexibility offered is often illusory, with long hours and high stress, leading to the erosion of work-life boundaries. This adapted framework provides a more accurate understanding, crucial for developing policies to ensure decent terms and conditions for those engaged in platform work.