Workers who report more precariousness and instability in their income are more likely to experience insomnia, headaches, and stomach issues, according to research from a business school.
The study, conducted by Professor Gordon Sayre, professor of organisational behaviour at Emlyn Business School in Lyon, France, investigated the effect pay volatility has on the health of gig workers and those who rely on tips.
Professor Sayre ran three separate studies, surveying 375 gig workers across three weeks, 85 tipped workers each day for two weeks, and 252 higher-paid workers in sales, finance, and marketing across two months.
His findings revealed that workers who had more volatile pay reported experiencing more health symptoms, such as headaches, backaches, and stomach problems.
This was because workers with an unstable income were more concerned about making ends meet and were preoccupied with thoughts about their personal finances.
A lack of financial security for an employee could clearly have a negative effect on their physical health, the study argued.