1、MANDALA|1Shock ResistantHow platform workers managed inflation and the pandemic JUNE 20252|MANDALA This document is intended for general informational purposes only.The analysis in this report was commissioned by Uber and prepared by Mandala.Mandala is an economics research and advisory firm.Mandala

2、 specialises in combining cutting-edge data and advanced analytical techniques to generate new insights and fresh perspectives on the challenges facing businesses and governments.Views and opinions expressed in this document are prepared in good faith and based on Mandalas knowledge and understandin

3、g of its area of business,markets and technology.Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice.No part of this document may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission of Mandala.Mandala would like to thank and acknowledge Professor Greg Kaplan of the University of Ch

4、icago for his advice,comments,and feedback on this paper.June 2025 Note:All dollar figures are US dollars unless indicated |MANDALA|3Executive summary 41.In quick succession,Americans were exposed to two different economic shocks 71.1 Since 2019,the US economy experienced a sharp increase in unemplo

5、yment,followed by the highest level of inflation since the 1980s 81.2 Real household incomes fell by 4.5%from 2019 to 2022,before starting to recover in 2023 91.3 Platform work played an important role in mitigating the impact of successive economic shocks on workers 102.Pandemic and inflation joine

6、rs responded to different challenges and used platform work in different ways 112.1 Inflation joiners were more likely to start platform work to manage the cost of living,while pandemic joiners were more likely to be seeking new income after being laid off 122.2 Inflation joiners worked less than pa