Examining the work need satisfaction scale in the online platform gig work environment: a structural and contextual analysis

Abstract

The Work Need Satisfaction Scale (WNSS) is a widely validated instrument designed to assess the satisfaction of basic psychological needs in the workplace, as informed by the Psychology of Working Theory and Self-Determination Theory. While it has demonstrated robust psychometric properties across diverse populations, its applicability to online gig workers- a growing segment of the labor market—remains underexplored. In this study, we examined the factor structure of the WNSS among 513 European Union-based online gig workers recruited through the Clickworker platform. Confirmatory factor analysis of the original 20-item, five-factor model (survival, social contribution, autonomy, competence, and relatedness) indicated a poor fit in this population. Subsequent exploratory factor analysis suggested a more parsimonious 12-item, three-factor solution (survival, social contribution, and competence). The autonomy and relatedness dimensions, central to traditional employment contexts, did not emerge as well-formed factors in the gig work sample. These findings highlight the need to adapt the WNSS to better capture the nuances of online platform work. Future research should refine the scale's items to more accurately reflect the gig economy's unique interplay of algorithmic management, flexible scheduling, and virtual social interactions. Such adaptations can inform interventions and platform designs that promote greater need satisfaction and well-being among online gig workers.