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Job training and search assistance for microwork: Evidence from Haiti

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  • Baptista, Dulce
  • Freund, Richard
  • Novella, Rafael

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a randomized experiment in Haiti aimed at improving online labor market outcomes through training individuals in microworking, a type of work involving small digital tasks completed via online platforms. Six months post-program, we observe significant positive impacts on platform-related microwork outcomes and some broader labor market outcomes. The treatment increases the likelihood of having a microwork profile, the number of tasks completed, hours worked, and microwork earnings, leading to a larger percentage of monthly income from microwork. The program also enhances socioemotional skills and English ability. However, we observe no significant effects on current employment and related outcomes, possibly as participants view microwork as a supplementary activity rather than employment.

Suggested Citation

  • Baptista, Dulce & Freund, Richard & Novella, Rafael, 2024. "Job training and search assistance for microwork: Evidence from Haiti," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 244(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:244:y:2024:i:c:s0165176524004324
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2024.111948
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Anderson, Michael L, 2008. "Multiple Inference and Gender Differences in the Effects of Early Intervention: A Reevaluation of the Abecedarian, Perry Preschool, and Early Training Projects," Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics, UC Berkeley, Working Paper Series qt15n8j26f, Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics, UC Berkeley.
    2. David McKenzie, 2017. "How Effective Are Active Labor Market Policies in Developing Countries? A Critical Review of Recent Evidence," The World Bank Research Observer, World Bank, vol. 32(2), pages 127-154.
    3. Hilbert, Martin R. & Lu, Kangbo, 2020. "The online job market trace in Latin America and the Caribbean," Documentos de Proyectos 45892, Naciones Unidas Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL).
    4. Anderson, Michael L., 2008. "Multiple Inference and Gender Differences in the Effects of Early Intervention: A Reevaluation of the Abecedarian, Perry Preschool, and Early Training Projects," Journal of the American Statistical Association, American Statistical Association, vol. 103(484), pages 1481-1495.
    5. Siou Chew Kuek & Cecilia Paradi-Guilford & Toks Fayomi & Saori Imaizumi & Panos Ipeirotis & Patricia Pina & Manpreet Singh, 2015. "The Global Opportunity in Online Outsourcing," World Bank Publications - Reports 22284, The World Bank Group.
    6. Baptista, Dulce & Freund, Richard & Novella, Rafael, 2023. "Entrepreneurial skills training for online freelancing: Experimental evidence from Haiti," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 232(C).
    7. Datta, Namita & Rong, Chen & Singh, Sunamika & Stinshoff, Clara & Iacob, Nadina & Nigatu, Natnael Simachew & Nxumalo, Mpumelelo & Klimaviciute, Luka, 2023. "Working Without Borders: The Promise and Peril of Online Gig Work," Jobs Group Papers, Notes, and Guides 32573393, The World Bank.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Microwork; Job training; Job search assistance; Randomized experiment; Haiti;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J28 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Safety; Job Satisfaction; Related Public Policy
    • J64 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Unemployment: Models, Duration, Incidence, and Job Search
    • M53 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Training
    • J48 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Particular Labor Markets; Public Policy

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