Dynamics and quality of platform employment in the era of coronavirus: challenges for Russia

The COVID-19 pandemic hit the Russian economy very hard, influenced the forms of labour use and work modes, and required the adoption of fundamentally new managerial decisions in the world of work. We believe that we can talk about social and labour relations in the era of the coronavirus, as well as the lessons to be learned for the future. The relevance of the study of the dynamics and quality of platform employment during the COVID-19 pandemic is due to the poor knowledge, relative novelty, and massiveness of the noted form of employment relations, implemented using digital platforms. The article analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated economic and social consequences on platform employment in Russia as a whole and on its individual segments. Digital labour platforms are digital networks that algorithmically coordinate labour service transactions. Working on the platform is a new form of work, and it is constantly evolving. The coronavirus pandemic has affected different areas of platform employment in different ways, and this impact is due to the specifics of these areas, the amount of government support, the degree, and speed of adjustment (flexibility) of platform employment in an evolving situation. The article examines the general dynamics of this type of employment, analyzes new trends in industry dynamics, volumes, types, forms, and specifics of platform employment, including the provision of services by self-employed, taxi and car-sharing services on digital labour platforms, as well as activities on electronic digital trading platforms. Recommendations are offered, including government agencies, trade unions, and employers. The problem areas requiring further research have been identified