Almost immediately, Nakamura’s piece made me think of the risk shift that was described as part of the New Economy in a previous piece. Particularly, the Gina Neff idea of “YOYO” (you’re on your own) economics. I’m not sure that there’s a more direct example of that New Economy with the risk being shifted to workers so that the corporations can relieve themselves of responsibility. It’s become a practice of “how can I make the most profit with the least amount of risk and cost to myself?”
Then, that leads to the issues of workers being exploited for low pay and poor conditions. I think the digital economy has evolved quicker than regulations on it can be developed. But at the same time, how can you regulate the conditions of work done by distance workers or work that can be done in any location that allows an internet connection? Where do we even start in making the situation for workers who are being exploited in the digital economy better?
Working from home in the digital economy is a beast of its own as well. Yes, it allows people more comfort, but I know people who ended up constantly working longer hours than they would have in an office setting because they were given large projects with deadlines that didn’t allow for enough time to finish the project within what would be normal working hours.
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