Deciphering the attrition of women in the gig economy in a developing economy

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the underlying factors contributing to the high attrition rates among women gig workers, with a focus on understanding the complexities of these factors and their interrelations. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a literature review and expert consultations to identify potential challenges leading to attrition. It then uses the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory method to analyse cause-and-effect relationships among these challenges. Findings The research identifies the lack of organizational support, inadequate psychological safety, poor person-job fit and work-family conflict as primary factors contributing to the high turnover rate among female gig workers. It also explores the interconnections between these challenges, providing a nuanced understanding of the attrition dynamics in the gig economy. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in the gig economy, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to address the identified challenges and reduce turnover rates among female gig workers. Originality/value This study contributes to the gig economy literature by using a structured decision-making approach to model and understand the complex factors influencing women’s attrition rates in gig work, thereby offering a novel perspective on workforce management in a rapidly evolving economic sector.