Investigating the feasibility of applying the gig economy framework in the nursing profession towards the Saudi Arabian Vision 2030

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the applicability of Gig Economy Framework in the nursing profession in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was adopted in this study for collecting the data related to the applicability of Gig Economy Framework in nursing profession. The questionnaire focused on various aspects of Gig Economy Framework in the context of the nursing profession in Saudi Arabia, by considering other influential factors. As the survey was targeted at nurses working at Saudi Arabian hospitals, the survey link was forwarded to HR admins of 102 hospitals in Saudi Arabia, which included 82 public hospitals and 20 private hospitals. At the end of the survey time period, 406 responses were received. After removing the incomplete responses, 379 responses were considered for the data analysis. Results: Gig economy features including flexibility of work (Mean = 4.3), freedom in chice of work (Mean = 4.2), and variations in tasks (Mean = 4.1) were identified to be most applicable in nursing profession. Statistically significant differences (p < .05) between the groups were identified in relation to the impact of gig economy on their daily life, and personal and professional development. Younger participants (Mean = 4.1, SD = 1.24) aged less than 40 years reflected high impact compared to older participants (Mean = 3.7, SD = 1.97). Female participants reflected more positive impact on their personal and professional development by working in Gig Economy Framework compared to male participants. Conclusion: Gig Economy features can address the major challenges affecting nursing workforce in Saudi Arabia, which are creating hurdles in the process of achieving Saudization and vision 2030 objectives in healthcare specifically nursing.