Tag: DPIA

Singapore – Around 61.8% of platform workers enjoy platform work, but a staggering 81.4% of them agree that they should be treated with more respect, a survey by DPIA revealed.

The survey provides a deeper look into the platform workers’ motivations, intentions, and experiences doing platform work in Singapore.

Based on the data collected, people engaged in platform work come from a diverse background and are categorised into four groups: the opportunists, who use platform work to earn alongside their existing careers; the switchovers, who prefer platform work over their regular jobs; the hustlers, who perceive platform work as a means to secure their dreams; and the explorers, who are not very committed to their platform work and are still looking for something they truly enjoy.

But even with varying motivations and reasons, the majority of the workers actually see platform work as more than a means to an end, with 92.2% stating they are amenable to platform work and 61.8% enjoying the nature of platform work in and of itself.

Some of the key motivators for platform workers, as revealed through the survey, are the platform work being vital in their career (53%), the work flexibility it offers (52.3%), and it being an important source of supplementary and temporary income (35.9%).

However, despite the majority feeling fulfilled with platform work, the workers’s day-to-day operational challenges and lack of respect received from society are among their major pain points.

Around 60% of platform workers raise concerns about compulsory CPF contributions and 55.9% of work injury compensation. They also shared that the public attitude towards them tends to lack consideration, and their choice to engage in platform work is disregarded.

Platform workers noted the difficult treatment they receive from drunk and rowdy passengers, disrespect from family members, as well as inconsiderate consumers and merchants who make their working environment unnecessarily uncomfortable.

All these concerns reflect on the survey data, with 25% of platform workers feeling that they were not sufficiently respected in their line of work and 81.4% agreeing that they should be treated with more respect.

With these concerns raised in the survey, platform companies continue to be the go-to option for assistance for the majority of platform workers (72%) during disputes. However, 18.7% reported disagreements with platforms’ handling of issues.

Singapore – The three major food delivery platform companies in Asia are setting aside their competition for now as they join forces to form an association that would become a watchdog for the industry and its stakeholders in Singapore.

Deliveroo, foodpanda, and Grab form the Digital Platforms Industry Association (DPIA) where they will be strengthening the frameworks, guidelines, and policies to support their delivery partners and merchants in Singapore.

“For platform companies, the well-being of our delivery partners and merchants across the marketplace is paramount. That’s why DPIA was established – to consolidate the deep industry expertise of platforms and shape the development and growth of the industry within Singapore’s national economy,” shared the three platforms. 

As an industry representative, DPIA will be tapping on the expertise and experience of its member platform companies to enhance industry best practices and support Singapore’s digital economy. In addition, DPIA said it will also be providing upskilling opportunities and strengthening existing health and safety standards for its members’ delivery partners and merchants. 

Since 2021, DPIA’s members have actively contributed to the consultation process with multiple government stakeholders, the National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA), and industry stakeholders in the bid to better support delivery partners. They are also working with the Workplace Safety and Health Council (WSHC) on guidelines for platforms and employers to boost road safety practices among delivery partners. 

In the coming months, DPIAl said it will be identifying areas of improvement and collaborating with the government and industry stakeholders such as the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF). 

It will be creating solutions that would “reflect the voices of its delivery partners and merchants”, both of whom are core to platform companies’ operations. In addition, DPIA intends to launch an industry code of practice to be adopted by its members. The code will incorporate industry best practices and principles relating to health and safety of its delivery partners and merchant development.