What is algorithmic management? How systems direct work in app taxi

In short

Algorithmic management means digital systems are used to monitor, organise or take decisions about people's work.

In platform work, such systems can shape the working day without a human manager giving the instruction directly.

Examples in app taxi

It can involve systems that affect which rides are shown, how work is allocated, how performance is measured, ratings or other rankings, access to the platform, and decisions on restriction or deactivation.

How an individual company's system is built is rarely public. We therefore describe the types of decisions that can be automated, not which algorithm a specific platform uses.

Why is this being regulated?

The Platform Work Directive contains rules on automated monitoring and decision-making systems.

The aim includes greater transparency and better protection for people whose work is affected by automated systems.

What does the word mean?

Algorithmic management: Digital systems used to monitor, organise or take decisions about people's work, without a human manager giving the instruction directly.
Directive (EU): An EU rule stating the result member states must achieve. Each country decides for itself how to implement it in national law.
Employment status: Whether a person counts as an employee or as self-employed. The status decides which rules and which protections apply.

Common questions