Social Security Issues in the Sharing Economy Based on the Case of Jingdong

This article explores the social security challenges within Chinas post-epidemic sharing economy, where sectors like ride-hailing and food delivery have burgeoned, creating flexible jobs but leaving labor protections lagging. A core issue lies in the fragmented employment model: most platform workers lack formal labor contracts, with fewer than 20% enjoying full social security coverage. This gap not only exposes workers to risks in healthcare, pension, and injury compensation but also distorts market fairnesscompanies avoiding contributions gain short-term cost advantages, while shifting long-term welfare burdens to the government. Case in point: JDs proactive social security policies demonstrate how corporate responsibility can align with strategic benefits. By treating riders and couriers as integrated partners (if not direct employees) and contributing to their insurance, JD has enhanced workforce stability, reduced turnover-related costs, and built consumer trust, illustrating that social protection can be a competitive edge. Short-term solutions call for expanding pilot programs where platforms experiment with tiered social security models, supported by government subsidies to ease implementation costs. Longterm, the focus must be on legal reforms to clarify employment relationships in the gig economy, standardize injury and disability assessment mechanisms, and adapt international practices, such as the EUs platform worker directives, to Chinas context. The goal is to strike a balance between fostering innovative business models and safeguarding labor dignity, ensuring the sharing economys growth is inclusive and sustainable.