Sweeping up decent work: paid domestic work and digital platforms in South Africa

Abstract

ABSTRACT Digital domestic work platforms have grown in the past few years, enabling employers to source paid domestic work via an app. Few studies have looked at the impact that digital domestic work platforms have on the working conditions and well-being of domestic workers. This study draws on the International Labour Organization’s Decent Work framework to explore the extent to which the domestic work platform SweepSouth offers opportunities for decent work. Findings are based on in-depth qualitative interviews with domestic workers employed by SweepSouth. The research revealed that working hours and autonomy were experienced as positive by domestic workers. However, wages remain insufficient to sustain a quality life. Furthermore, the lack of control over work time, an absence of union representation and collective bargaining power, and no social benefits have a negative impact on domestic workers’ working conditions. Algorithmic ratings from clients also put extra pressure on domestic workers to render quality cleaning services. Finally, this study shows that domestic work remains unstable and insecure and that digital domestic work platforms do little to improve the lives of domestic workers.