
Shock Resistant
02.07.2025 - 04:07
Shock Resistant outlines novel insights into the ways that platform workers in the US used platform work as a strategy for mitigating the impacts of the pandemic and cost of living crisis.
The US has recently been hit by two distinct economic shocks that have put pressure on Americans and their families– the spike in unemployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent spike in the cost of living.

In the past, when confronted with these types of crises, Americans have had limited options to make ends meet. Loss of work and living through a period when prices went up and remained high left some Americans experiencing material hardships including not paying all bills and skipping medical care because of the cost. On top of this are the impacts to mental wellbeing.
The COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing period of elevated inflation was the first time that major economic shocks have occurred when platform work is widely available. These events therefore provide a unique opportunity to examine the impact of platform work on Americans during economic crises.
Using a nationwide survey of platform workers in the US, combined with administrative data from Uber, academic literature, and public datasets, our new report unpacks the ways in which workers interacted with the platform economy to manage the impacts of the pandemic and inflation.
Read the full report here.
Read our latest posts

Shock Resistant
Shock Resistant outlines novel insights into the ways that platform workers in the US used platform work as a strategy for mitigating the impacts of the pandemic and cost of living crisis.
2 Jul, 2025

AI in Australia Economic Blueprint
OpenAI’s Economic Blueprint outlines how Australia can harness artificial intelligence (AI) to significantly boost economic prosperity, enhance public services, and position itself as a leader for AI in the Indo-Pacific region.
30 Jun, 2025

The economic and strategic importance of multi-metals processing
Mandala was commissioned by Nyrstar to provide an independent summary of the significance of lead and zinc refining in Australia. This report finds that Australia’s existing capabilities are a gateway to domestic critical minerals processing, but fundamental shifts in the global industrial policy landscape are undermining Australia’s current and future processing capabilities.
27 May, 2025

Reducing out-of-pocket costs for Australian healthcare consumers
In partnership with Private Healthcare Australia (PHA), our latest report reveals the increasing strain of out-of-pocket healthcare costs on Australian consumers. Without urgent action, these costs could reach $1.6 billion by 2030, driven by limited competition, lack of price transparency, and weak consumer protections. Costs have already surged 12% in the past year, and 330,000 Australians are expected to delay care due to affordability concerns. Transparent pricing and stronger protections could save consumers millions. Read our full analysis to understand the challenges—and the solutions—that could make healthcare more accessible for all.
27 Mar, 2025