BEYOND THE DOORSTEP: EXPLORING THE WORK CONDITIONS OF DELIVERY AGENTS IN QUICK COMMERCE

Abstract

The current study analyzes the multifaceted problems of delivery agents operating in the burgeoning quick commerce sector, in particular for the Delhi NCR market. As quick commerce continues to reshape consumer buying behavior and aspirations, it also places significant strains on delivery agents as the backbone of the service. The study adopts a mixed-methods research strategy involving qualitative and quantitative data to analyze the working conditions, occupational hazards, safety concerns, and socio-economic issues of these frontline workers in a holistic manner. The primary data were collected through standardized questionnaires completed by delivery agents operating on varied platforms in Delhi NCR, while secondary data were collected through published reports, industry reports, and research papers. The findings of the research attempt to underscore the human cost of convenience embedded in the quick commerce model and provide recommendations on how the working conditions and overall well-being of delivery agents can be improved.