How do gig work challenges impact workers’ withdrawal behaviors? A moderated chain mediation model

Purpose This study aims to explore the mechanism of how gig work challenges affect work withdrawal behaviors, specifically examining the chain mediation effects of gig work challenges on perceived time poverty, job satisfaction and work withdrawal behaviors as well as the moderating role of decent work. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-methods approach was employed. There was a scenario experiment involving 120 gig workers and multiple surveys with 506 employees from different organizations. Findings Gig work challenges positively impact work withdrawal behaviors. Perceived time poverty mediates between gig work challenges and job satisfaction and job satisfaction mediates between perceived time poverty and work withdrawal behaviors. Besides, there is an inverse relationship between perceived time poverty and job satisfaction, and they play a mediating role in the linkage between gig work challenges and work withdrawal behaviors. Also, decent work has a moderating role. Originality/value This study delineates the sequential mediating effects of perceived time poverty and job satisfaction on the relationship between gig work challenges and withdrawal behaviors, advancing scholarly understanding in gig economy management. The study adapts the job demands-resources model to the gig context, elucidating psychological and organizational aspects and showcasing the model’s applicability.