Wahid bin Ahsan, Abul Bashar, Ajoy Sarker, Tanvir Ahammed Tohin, Arif Sikder
Department of Human-Centered Design
Userhub

Abstract

This study examines the health impacts of freelancing among designers in Bangladesh, a vital yet underexplored segment of the gig economy in developing countries. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from an online survey of 55 freelance designers and semi-structured interviews with 20 participants, including freelancers, community leaders, and healthcare professionals. The findings reveal significant physical (e.g., fatigue, back pain, and sleep disturbances), mental (e.g., high stress due to client demands and financial instability), and social health challenges (e.g., isolation caused by irregular schedules and the undervaluation of freelancing). Gendered struggles were especially prominent, as female freelancers faced dual burdens of professional workloads and household responsibilities, intensifying stress and disrupting work-life balance. The psychological strain of constant digital engagement and client expectations further compounded these challenges.

The study highlights the urgent need for systemic interventions, including affordable healthcare, structured peer networks, targeted training programs, and formal recognition of freelancing as a legitimate profession. By addressing these issues, this research contributes to the growing body of literature on gig work, offering actionable strategies to enhance freelancer well-being in developing economies.

Keywords: Freelancing, Gig Economy, Health Impacts, Designers, Bangladesh, Mixed-Methods, Work-Life Balance, Gender Dynamics

Introduction

Freelancing in creative industries, such as design, has emerged as a transformative force in the global workforce. Attracted by the autonomy and flexibility it promises, designers increasingly pursue freelancing as a primary career path. In Bangladesh, freelance designers contribute significantly to the digital economy, specializing in fields such as graphic design, UX & UI, and branding. However, the independence offered by freelancing often comes with significant physical, mental, and social health challenges, which remain underexplored in the Bangladeshi context.

Freelancers frequently lack the structural support systems inherent in traditional employment. Studies indicate that gig workers face irregular income, long working hours, and limited peer support, leading to stress, burnout, and social isolation (Bajwa et al., 2018; Khan et al., 2021; Naslund et al., 2016). In Bangladesh, these issues are exacerbated by systemic barriers, including unreliable payment systems, undervaluation of remote work, and limited access to resources (bin Ahsan et al., 2024). Additionally, demographic factors such as gender, socio-economic status, and experience levels create nuanced disparities in health outcomes among freelancers.

For freelance designers, client demands, creative pressures, and tight deadlines intensify these challenges. Constant digital engagement, while enabling productivity and networking, further disrupts work-life balance and heightens stress (Naslund et al., 2016). Despite the growing role of freelancing in Bangladesh’s economy, little research has addressed its health implications, creating a critical gap.

This study investigates the physical, mental, and social health impacts of freelancing on Bangladesh’s designer community. It examines how work demands, financial instability, and digital engagement influence stress and well-being. Furthermore, it identifies actionable strategies to address these challenges, contributing to a broader understanding of freelancer health in both regional and global contexts.

Methodology

This study adopted a mixed-methods approach to explore the health and well-being challenges of freelance designers in Bangladesh, integrating quantitative and qualitative data for a comprehensive analysis.

Participants and Sampling

The study recruited 55 survey respondents and 20 interview participants, comprising freelance designers, healthcare professionals, and community organization representatives. Purposive and snowball sampling ensured diverse representation across demographics and design subfields, including graphic design and UX & UI.

Data Collection

• Survey: An online structured questionnaire collected quantitative data on work patterns, health outcomes, and coping strategies from 55 respondents.
• Interviews: Semi-structured interviews with 20 participants provided qualitative insights into physical, mental, and social health impacts, as well as work demands, financial stability, and digital engagement.

Data Analysis

Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to identify trends in health and work conditions, while thematic analysis of interview transcripts uncovered key challenges and coping mechanisms.

Ethical Considerations

The study adhered to ethical standards (American Psychological Association, 2017), including informed consent, participant confidentiality, and voluntary participation. Findings were anonymized to safeguard identities.

Findings

This section presents findings from the mixed-methods research, integrating quantitative survey results with qualitative insights from interviews and transcripts. The findings are organized around key challenges faced by freelancers and potential solutions, contextualized by participant demographics.

Participant Demographics

The study included 55 survey respondents and 20 interview participants from diverse creative industries: graphic design (45%), UX & UI design (40%), and branding/others (15%). Most participants were male (85%), with females making up 15%. Freelancing experience varied: 40% had 6+ years, 35% had 3–5 years, and 25% were newcomers (0–2 years). Urban freelancers (60%) outnumbered rural/suburban ones (40%).

Demographic diversity revealed notable disparities. Beginners struggled more with financial stability, while seasoned freelancers reported higher burnout. Rural participants faced infrastructure challenges, such as slow internet and limited healthcare.

Table 1: Freelancer Demographics

Characteristic	Category	Percentage of Respondents
Gender	Male	85%
	Female	15%
Experience Level	0–2 years	25%
	3–5 years	35%
	6+ years	40%
Freelancing Subfield	Graphic Design	45%
	UX & UI Design	40%
	Branding and Others	15%
Location	Urban	60%
	Rural/Suburban	40%

1. Health Impacts of Freelancing

Freelancers face notable physical, mental, and social health challenges. Fatigue (55%), back pain (45%), and eye strain (40%) were the most reported physical issues, attributed to long hours and insufficient breaks. Sleep disturbances and poor dietary habits were common, with participants describing disrupted sleep cycles and skipped meals due to work demands. One freelancer noted, “I often skip meals while working and have gained a lot of weight over the years.”

Mental health concerns were equally prevalent, with 60% reporting stress and anxiety, primarily driven by financial instability and client demands. Burnout and emotional exhaustion were recurring themes, as described by one participant: “Some days I wake up and have no energy to start my projects.”

Social isolation, cited by 50%, stemmed from irregular schedules and reduced time with family and friends. Freelancers also felt stigmatized, as one participant shared, “People in my community don’t see freelancing as a real job. That makes me feel invisible.”

Table 2: Freelancer-Reported Health Challenges

Health Challenge	Percentage of Respondents
Fatigue	55%
Back pain	45%
Eye strain	40%
High stress levels	60%
Social isolation	50%

2. Work Demands and Their Effects

Freelancers reported high work demands, with 70% of survey respondents indicating that client deadlines negatively impacted their well-being. Long working hours, often exceeding seven hours daily, were common, with overlapping deadlines frequently requiring sacrifices of sleep and personal time. One participant shared, “Some nights I don’t sleep at all just to meet project deadlines.”

Despite freelancing’s perceived flexibility, only 20% of respondents had significant control over their schedules, with clients often dictating working hours and expecting constant availability. One freelancer noted, “Clients think that because I’m a freelancer, they can call me anytime—even at night.”

Female freelancers faced unique challenges balancing work with household responsibilities, compounding stress and workload. As one participant explained, “Managing both work and family is exhausting. It’s like I’m working two jobs at once.”

Table 3: Work Demands and Schedule Control

Work-Related Factors	Percentage of Respondents
Significant schedule control	20%
Moderate schedule control	35%
Low or no schedule control	45%
Negative health impact from deadlines	70%

3. Financial and Social Challenges

Financial instability was a major concern, with 40% of survey respondents identifying irregular income as a primary stressor. Beginners were particularly vulnerable, often struggling to secure steady work. As one freelancer explained, “Some months I earn well, but in others, I can’t even cover my expenses.” Payment disputes, especially with local clients, further exacerbated financial insecurity. One participant noted, “Sometimes I complete a project and the client disappears without paying me.”

Social isolation, reported by 50% of respondents, was closely linked to irregular schedules and demanding workloads. Many participants felt disconnected from family and friends, while the lack of professional recognition heightened feelings of invisibility. One freelancer remarked, “It’s hard to feel proud of my work when my family and peers don’t see it as legitimate.”

Despite these challenges, some freelancers emphasized the independence and flexibility freelancing provides. As one participant shared, “Freelancing gives me the freedom to choose my projects and work from anywhere, which is something I value deeply.”

Table 4: Financial and Social Challenges

Challenge	Percentage of Respondents
Irregular income	40%
Feeling socially disconnected	50%

4. Stress Management and Support Systems

Freelancers employed various strategies to manage stress, with 30% of survey respondents citing time management techniques, regular exercise, and peer support networks as effective. One freelancer noted, “Taking short breaks helps me clear my head and avoid burnout.” Peer networks also played a critical role in reducing isolation and fostering motivation, as highlighted by another participant: “Talking to other freelancers helps me feel less isolated and more motivated.”

However, systemic support emerged as an essential need. Affordable healthcare was the most requested resource (40%), followed by financial literacy and stress management workshops (35%). Mentorship programs were particularly valued by newcomers struggling to adapt to freelancing demands. One participant suggested, “A platform offering affordable healthcare and financial workshops would make freelancing much easier.”

Table 5: Preferred Stress Management Strategies

Strategy/Support System	Percentage of Respondents
Affordable health insurance	40%
Time management training	35%
Peer support networks	30%

Discussion

This study highlights significant physical, mental, and social health challenges faced by freelance designers in Bangladesh. By integrating findings with existing research, this section explores how work demands, social dynamics, and systemic gaps impact freelancers’ health outcomes, while identifying pathways for intervention.

Health Outcomes and Work Demands

Freelancers face notable physical health challenges, including fatigue, back pain, and eye strain, caused by prolonged sedentary work and irregular schedules. These findings align with global evidence linking non-standard work hours and extended workdays to disrupted sleep, poor dietary habits, and adverse physical health outcomes (Bajwa et al., 2018; Fusz et al., 2021). Mental health challenges, such as stress and anxiety, are exacerbated by tight deadlines, client demands, and cultural undervaluation of freelancing, consistent with research showing how erratic work hours affect mental health (De Raeve et al., 2007; Khan et al., 2021).

Gendered challenges, particularly for women balancing household responsibilities with freelancing, highlight systemic inequities that amplify stress and further restrict work-life balance.

Work-Life Balance and Autonomy

Despite the perceived flexibility of freelancing, only 20% of participants reported significant control over their schedules, as clients frequently dictated working hours. This lack of boundaries reflects global trends where freelancers experience “client colonization,” undermining the potential benefits of flexibility (Ertel et al., n.d.; Gold & Mustafa, 2013). Women were disproportionately impacted by these blurred boundaries, which compounded the dual burden of professional and domestic responsibilities.

Boundary-setting practices, such as fixed work hours, improved mental health outcomes, yet these strategies remain challenging without systemic support and societal recognition of freelancing as legitimate work.

Economic and Social Challenges

Economic instability was a major stressor, with irregular income and payment disputes intensifying financial insecurity. These findings align with studies showing the precarious nature of gig work in developing economies, where systemic protections are limited (Ayu, 2024; Heeks, 2017). Social isolation, compounded by stigma and undervaluation of freelancing, further affected freelancers’ well-being. The undervaluation of freelancing within families and communities erodes professional legitimacy, mirroring broader research on the psychosocial impacts of stigma in non-traditional work settings (Naslund et al., 2016).

The Role of Digital Engagement

Digital engagement emerged as both a productivity enabler and a significant stressor. Constant connectivity and client communication contributed to anxiety and disrupted work-life balance, reflecting global trends in the psychological toll of digital multitasking (Naslund et al., 2016; Reinecke et al., 2017). Infrastructural challenges, such as slow internet speeds and reliance on outdated tools, further exacerbated these stressors in Bangladesh. Addressing these barriers requires interventions like digital literacy training and infrastructure improvements.

Strategies and Support Systems

Freelancers utilized individual strategies, such as boundary-setting and peer support, to manage stress. However, systemic interventions are essential to address root causes. Affordable healthcare and financial literacy workshops were identified as critical needs, particularly for mitigating financial insecurity and health challenges. Peer networks played an important role in reducing isolation and fostering motivation, consistent with global research demonstrating their effectiveness in improving well-being (Fisher et al., 2015; Galovski et al., 2024).

Nonetheless, barriers to accessibility and sustainability of peer networks, particularly for rural freelancers, limit their efficacy. Collaborative approaches involving policymakers, freelancing platforms, and community organizations are needed to enhance these systems and address freelancers’ challenges comprehensively.

Recommendations

To address the health and well-being challenges of freelance designers in Bangladesh, interventions are required at individual, community, and systemic levels. The following recommendations are based on the findings and supported by current and existing literature.

1. Improve Access to Healthcare

Freelancers face physical health challenges such as fatigue, back pain, and eye strain. Affordable healthcare initiatives, including subsidized insurance, telehealth services, and periodic health screenings, can mitigate these (Bajwa et al., 2018; Heeks, 2017). Awareness campaigns addressing sleep disturbances and poor diet should complement these efforts (Fusz et al., 2021).

2. Strengthen Peer Networks

Peer networks reduce social isolation and provide mentorship, particularly for newcomers. Formalized networks and community-driven workshops on stress management, financial literacy, and work-life balance are essential (Galovski et al., 2024; Joo et al., 2022). Programs must prioritize inclusivity to ensure access for all freelancers.

3. Enhance Professional Development

Training programs focused on time management, client communication, and financial planning can empower freelancers to navigate their work challenges effectively (Naslund et al., 2016; Reinecke et al., 2017). Guidance on managing digital engagement and boundaries will alleviate stress tied to constant availability (Gold & Mustafa, 2013).

4. Recognize Freelancing as a Workforce

Formal recognition of freelancing through policies offering health benefits, tax relief, and credit access can reduce financial vulnerability and stigma (Bajwa et al., 2018; Heeks, 2017). Freelancing platforms can support these efforts by introducing payment protections and mental health resources (bin Ahsan et al., 2024).

5. Foster Stakeholder Collaboration

Collaboration among policymakers, freelancing platforms, and community organizations is critical. Joint efforts should focus on improving healthcare access, mentorship opportunities, and reliable infrastructure, particularly for rural freelancers (bin Ahsan et al., 2024; Fisher et al., 2015). Platforms should also enforce fair payment practices and dispute resolution mechanisms.

Conclusion

This study highlights the significant physical, mental, and social health challenges faced by freelance designers in Bangladesh. Common physical health issues, such as fatigue, back pain, and eye strain, combined with mental health struggles driven by tight deadlines, financial instability, and social isolation, underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions. The reliance on digital tools and remote work adds further complexity, contributing to increased stress and disrupted work-life balance.

While freelancers employ individual strategies such as time management and peer support, these efforts alone are insufficient without systemic interventions. Affordable healthcare, structured peer networks, and professional training programs are critical to addressing both immediate and long-term needs. Additionally, the undervaluation of freelancing as a legitimate profession in Bangladesh highlights the necessity of policy-level recognition and systemic support.

Addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts among policymakers, community organizations, and freelancing platforms to create a healthier, more sustainable ecosystem for freelance designers. Future research should explore how demographic factors, such as gender, socio-economic status, and experience, shape freelancers’ health outcomes. Evaluating the effectiveness of proposed interventions, such as peer networks and healthcare initiatives, will be essential for improving freelancer well-being and advancing supportive policies.

Limitations and Future Research

This study offers valuable insights into the health challenges faced by freelance designers in Bangladesh but has some limitations. Reliance on self-reported data introduces potential response bias, and the relatively small sample size, particularly for interviews, may not fully capture the diversity of freelancing experiences, especially in rural areas or niche design subfields. Additionally, the cross-sectional design limits the ability to assess long-term trends, and the absence of comparative data restricts the generalizability of findings beyond Bangladesh.

Future research should adopt longitudinal methods to examine sustained health impacts and explore freelancing experiences across different regions or industries. Evaluating the effectiveness of interventions, such as peer networks and healthcare initiatives, would provide actionable evidence for policymakers and stakeholders.

Acknowledgements

We sincerely thank all participants for their time and insights, as well as community leaders, healthcare professionals, and organizations for their cooperation. Special appreciation goes to Userhub for their support in facilitating this research. AI tools were utilized for data analysis, organization, and language refinement under the strict supervision and critical review of the research team. All interpretations and conclusions were independently conducted to ensure rigor and alignment with the study’s objectives.

Declaration of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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