GenZ is currently “multi-tasking” because just holding one job doesn’t pay or gives them the flexibility they want
Traditionally, people would find a job they love (and it pays well) and gradually move up, dedicating their career advancement to an employer.
But as the cost of living rises, wages stagnate, and people have to work longer (making it harder for younger workers to advance), today’s professionals aren’t waiting for their bosses to get promoted. for them.
Instead, they’re solving the problem themselves: After years of job hopping and a recent boom in side jobs, workers are now dividing their time between multiple bosses—at the same time.
The phenomenon of working two or more jobs, known as “Polyworking,” emerges when people seize the opportunity to take on multiple full-time roles while they are working from home.
No grueling commutes, switching from one job to another is as easy as logging into your computer for the second shift of the day—and that’s why, according to a new study, a one-third of workers hold three or more jobs.
Who is most likely to juggle work?
pay surveyed more than 1,000 American workers to find out who is most likely to take on the most jobs and its impact on workers.
They found that while 40% of workers overall currently have multiple jobs, that number rises to almost half for Generation Z.
And not only are the youngest generation of workers most likely to take on the most work—they are even more likely to split their time among three or more employers; According to Paychex, all 47% hold three or more jobs.
Meanwhile, 33% of millennials hold 3 or more jobs, compared to 28% of baby boomers and 23% of Gen X professionals.
Freelancers and telecommuters are more likely to report working at multiple companies.
Plus, some industries are more employable than others: Computer and technology workers are more likely to have multiple sources of income. These workers are also likely to take on additional work in other sectors, primarily in the healthcare industry. Meanwhile, the researchers also found an overlap with finance workers taking on extra shifts in the retail and education sectors.
Furthermore, they have no intention of giving up a second or third job anytime soon.
About half of respondents said they plan to work multiple jobs indefinitely — and the older respondents are, the more likely they are to see a work arrangement as a permanent solution rather than a long-term solution. a means to an end goal.
Their motivations vary, according to the study: “Without multiple sources of income, Gen Xers and millennials fear the most about the possibility of having to move into a new home,” the report states. “While baby boomers are particularly worried about their inability to keep up with inflation.”
Overall, flexibility, additional income, and freedom were the biggest benefits cited among multidisciplinary workers.
So, to entice young workers — the generation most likely to commit crimes — to commit to a company, the report suggests employers “consider offering them financial security, flexibility and openness to contract work, while underscoring your company’s commitment to authenticity and diversity.”
Polyworking is taking its toll on workers
While more financial freedom and the opportunity to have more creative outlets increase happiness levels for people who work at multiple companies, research shows that’s not necessarily the case.
Researchers compared multi-taskers with people who only did one and found that multi-taskers were more likely to feel exhausted, stressed, and bored. Although they were slightly more satisfied with their work-life balance, those who worked in teams were also significantly less productive and reported feeling healthier in a role. other.
And whether you are one of the 40% of workers who are working long hours or not, this trend is sure to affect you.
The same segment of your colleagues or employees may be working in this new way—and they may be less dedicated to their work. Meanwhile, the knock-on effect on the broader workforce should not be overlooked if 40% of their co-workers are unproductive or unhappy.
The 200 managers surveyed also reported that multidisciplinary employees do not stick around for a long time, are slow to learn and develop skills, exhibit poor organization, and have difficulty integrating into company culture.
As a result, they conclude that people who work in teams are more difficult to manage than those with a more traditional setup.
