Gig Worker Upskilling Priorities through E-Learning Platforms: A Hybrid AHP-TOPSIS and AHP-VIKOR Approach

The rapid growth of the gig economy has reshaped global labor markets, offering flexibility but also presenting challenges such as unstable income and limited access to traditional career development opportunities. Continuous upskilling is essential for gig workers to remain competitive and adaptable in a dynamic job market. This study evaluates five e-learning alternatives—Self-Paced Online Courses, Microlearning Modules, Live Virtual Classes, Gamified E-Learning Platforms, and Blended Learning—using a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework that integrates the AHP, TOPSIS, and VIKOR. The alternatives were assessed based on relevance to gig work, accessibility, cost-effectiveness, certification recognition, and learner engagement. The results identified Gamified E-Learning Platforms as the most effective solution, ranking highest in both TOPSIS and VIKOR analyses. Their engaging features, such as rewards and interactive challenges, combined with flexibility, align well with gig workers' needs. Microlearning Modules ranked second, offering practical, concise lessons suited for busy schedules. These findings provide valuable insights for e-learning platform developers and policymakers to design targeted, flexible, and engaging upskilling programs that enhance gig workers' employability. Future research could explore personalized learning and adaptive content to further improve learning outcomes.