Contradicting the “slacker” reputation of younger workers, a 2023 survey of over 1,200 remote workers conducted by Resume Builder found that 79% have worked two or more jobs in the past year. A third of respondents said they were currently overemployed, with more than half making above six figures in income. Only 10% indicated that balancing multiple jobs was “very difficult.”¹

This new trend of overemployment has raised ethical issues for workers and very practical concerns for employers.

From the Employee’s Perspective

Individuals may find that their productivity is so high that it enables them to complete work assignments so much quicker than their manager expects them, opening up the opportunity to take on an additional job. They welcome the ability to earn two incomes; this can afford them a richer lifestyle or the chance to amass wealth more quickly, allowing them to pursue more personal passions sooner. Others just like the idea of “sticking it to the man.”

Whatever the motivation, an overemployed individual is confronted with real-world ethical dilemmas.

The first of these is that the financial gain acquired through a second job may result in someone else’s unemployment or underemployment. Another moral compromise is the broken promise made to an employer of an employee’s implicit commitment to fully devote his or her time and energy to delivering the highest quality work. Lastly, workers with two full-time jobs do not have the time or energy to connect and collaborate with co-workers, which cheats the employer of associated productivity gains and the individual of the chance to create positive work relationships.

From the Employer’s Perspective

Companies are none too thrilled with employees dividing their attentions. Companies are catching on, however, to this trend. One way companies are fighting overemployment is by requiring new hires to submit proof that they resigned from their previous employer.

Other tactics for rooting out or preventing employees working other jobs include implementing and communicating clear policies regarding outside work, such as requiring the signing of non-compete and non-disclosure agreements.

Employers should also conduct a bit of self-reflection, asking themselves what the reasons may be that employees are doing this (e.g., uncompetitive pay, lack of career growth, etc.) and to what extent the company can address them. They may also want to examine their expectations of employees and why they are so low that employees can meet their acceptable performance standards while working another full-time job.

With inflation at a 40-year high, the temptation for additional income can be tempting.  However, people are urged to consider the risk and cost of overemployment.  In some cases, employees are being fired if discovered, losing substantial income.  A side hustle, such as driving Uber or DoorDash, could be a fitting supplement to income.

Source:

1. https://www.resumebuilder.com/8-in-10-remote-workers-have-been-overemployed-within-the-past-year/

Please reference disclosures at: https://blog.americanportfolios.com/disclosures/