The Mechanism of Stigma’s Multi-path Influence on Workplace Loneliness of Gig Workers: The Moderating Effect of Social Integration Practice

Abstract

Abstract: Workplace loneliness is crucial to employee health and organizational development. Given the gap in existing literature concerning workplace loneliness among gig workers, this study, drawing on social identity theory, explores the mechanism of stigma’s multi-path influence on gig workers’ workplace loneliness and the moderating effect of social integration practices. Using a multi-wave survey involving 495 gig workers and 62 leaders from 62 teams, the study finds that perceived stigma among gig workers disrupts both their team-member exchange (TMX) with formal employees and their leader-member exchange (LMX), thereby exacerbating workplace loneliness. However, social integration practices can mitigate these negative effects. By integrating research on stigma and workplace loneliness, this study expands the understanding of workplace loneliness to include gig workers and its antecedents. Furthermore, it elucidates the underlying mediating mechanisms and offers practical human resource management strategies to help organizations address workplace loneliness among gig workers.

Key words: stigma, workplace loneliness, gig workers, social identity theory, social integration practice

Cao Chunhui, Cong Yue, Dong Yanan, Ding Bin. The Mechanism of Stigma’s Multi-path Influence on Workplace Loneliness of Gig Workers: The Moderating Effect of Social Integration Practice[J]. Management Review, 2025, 37(9): 149-159.

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