App-based delivery services in Germany: Why people take up gig-work and usually quit quickly

Abstract

"App-based delivery services have spread rapidly in Germany in recent years. This has also fuelled public debate about the poor working conditions of the gig-workers in these services. However, there is still little reliable information about what motivates people to take on gig-work. Similarly, little is known about workers’ reasons for leaving these mostly short-term jobs." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Cite article

Friedrich, M., Helm, I., Jost, R., Lang, J. & Müller, C. (2026): App-based delivery services in Germany: Why people take up gig-work and usually quit quickly. In: IAB-Forum No. 27.04.2026. DOI:10.48720/IAB.FOO.20260427.01