Work & Equality Lab

We are a team of researchers working to advance understanding of how we can help all people find ways to build careers in which they can flourish. We seek to better understand the reasons for systematic inequality in the work and career outcomes that people experience. With a particular focus on differences in experiences and outcomes along lines of gender, social class and race, we aim to develop solutions to help all people build the careers to which they aspire.

We have studied people’s work and career experiences in a variety of fields of work, and in different kinds of organizations. Some of our studies are of consultants, independent scientists, journalists, graphic designers and nurses. We use a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Meet the Team

Professor Erin Reid

Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Work, Careers and Organizations

Professor of Human Resources and Management

Natalie Prusak

Research Assistant

MBA Candidate, DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University

Stephanie Wilson

Research Assistant

Shraeya Bhardwaj

Research Assistant

MBA Candidate, DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University

Previous Team Members

Graduate Researchers

Dr. Farnaz Ghaedipour, now Assistant Professor, York University, School of Human Resource Management

Alex Peever

Undergraduate Researchers

Manahr Desouki

Ilona Oleksiak

Michaella Ramlall

Quinn Murdock

Irene Chan

Gig Work Survey Results

In 2023, 1,090 individuals participated in a survey examining the ways in which work-life is changing post-pandemic. This survey covered areas such as respondents’ attitudes towards their senses-of-self, financial stability, resilience, as well as other key demographic information. The survey results compare and contrast the differences and similarities in attitudes and attributes amongst four groups: male gig-workers, female gig-workers, men who work in organizations, and women who work in organizations. A summary of the findings can be found here.