99% of SG delivery riders satisfied with their work: report

However, they felt the stress of their work is often underestimated by the public.

An overwhelming majority of delivery riders, at 99%, reported having high job satisfaction and financial security, stating that they value the flexibility and independence gig work provides, a recent study showed.

Decision science solutions and advisory firm Blackbox Research published Inside the Singapore Gig Economy: Exploring Delivery Riders' Perspectives, which surveyed 175 delivery riders to understand their relationship with work, their psyche, and views on key policy topics surrounding gig work. The study was further supported with two focus groups where a select group of riders discussed their perspectives in greater detail.

The ability to choose how to balance working hours against their financial targets has led to a high sense of job satisfaction and financial security, with nearly one in four (23%) expressing strong satisfaction. The majority of riders surveyed also believe that being a rider offers job security (88%) and financial security (88%).

However, delivery riders feel that what's often reflected in public conversation and debate does not paint an accurate picture of the industry. The study shows that 75% believe their work is often misunderstood and 93% feel that the stress and challenges of their work are often underestimated by members of the public.

According to Blackbox Research CEO David Black, the two most revealing insights in the study is the high levels of job satisfaction and financial security Singapore delivery riders derive from their work, which contrasts with what is often seen in other surveys covering non-professional work. Secondly, delivery riders are often aghast at what is written and said about them, as it is at odds with their own experiences.

"We should recognise the current setup that riders have in making their own economic choice to enter and stay in the gig economy is important to them. We've seen questionable regulations in other countries, so it is important that policymakers in Singapore do not fall into the same trap," he added.