Impact of Basic Income on Work Motivation: Study of 105K Recipients
This entry summarizes findings from a study involving 105,000 Basic Income (BI) recipients across 16 trials, demonstrating that individuals generally maintain employment or are enabled to find better work after receiving basic income. This content was driven by Ken Yang.
Key Takeaways:
- No Substantial Impact on Work: The study, encompassing 16 trials in 12 nations, found no significant reductions in work hours or labor participation rates among basic income recipients. Exceptions were noted for students and new parents, which is considered a positive outcome. [Source: Gilbert et al. (2018), via Notion Scumban entry]
- Boosts Employment and Education: Basic Income can enhance employment and education by providing financial freedom, allowing individuals to pursue long-term goals and invest in their careers. [Source: Notion Scumban entry]
- Investment in Capacity: Many recipients utilized the additional income to invest in resources that improved their capacity for employment. [Source: Notion Scumban entry]
Research Citation:
Gilbert, R., Murphy, N. A., Stepka, A., Barrett, M., & Worku, D. (2018). Would a Basic Income Guarantee Reduce the Motivation to Work? An Analysis of Labor Responses in 16 Trial Programs. Basic Income Studies, 13(2).
- ResearchGate Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329102801_Would_a_Basic_Income_Guarantee_Reduce_the_Motivation_to_Work_An_Analysis_of_Labor_Responses_in_16_Trial_Programs
- Canadian Reference (from notes in original): https://bcbasicincomepanel.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Does_a_Universal_Basic_Income_Reduce_Labour_Supply_for_All_Groups_Evidence_from_Canadas_Negative_Income_Tax_Experiment.pdf
[Source: Notion Scumban entry for “105K Kept Working Image”, 2025-06-11]