What's Happening?
DoorDash has been running a program called WeDash since 2015, which requires its corporate employees to work as delivery drivers at least four times a year. This initiative aims to provide employees with firsthand experience of the challenges faced by
gig workers, known as 'Dashers'. The program has also become a crucial method for beta-testing new app features and identifying areas for improvement. Recently, DoorDash has used feedback from WeDash to streamline the app's home screen for gig workers, making it less cluttered and more user-friendly.
Why It's Important?
The WeDash program is significant as it bridges the gap between corporate decision-makers and gig workers, ensuring that the app's development is informed by real-world experiences. This approach can lead to more effective and user-friendly updates, potentially improving the working conditions for Dashers. By involving corporate employees in delivery tasks, DoorDash can better understand and address the issues faced by its workforce, which could enhance employee satisfaction and retention. Additionally, this initiative may set a precedent for other companies in the gig economy to adopt similar practices.
What's Next?
DoorDash plans to continue using the WeDash program to test and refine app features. As the company gathers more feedback from both corporate employees and gig workers, further improvements to the app are expected. This ongoing process may lead to more significant changes in how the app functions, potentially benefiting both Dashers and customers. Other gig economy companies might observe DoorDash's approach and consider implementing similar programs to enhance their own platforms.
