55% of hiring managers notice employees juggling side gigs during work hours, leaving 50% concerned that splitting time between jobs could lower productivity and reduce output

A surprising 41% of multitaskers report working two jobs simultaneously, whether part-time or full-time. Despite concerns about focus and productivity, half of employers lack policies addressing this trend, raising important questions about work-life boundaries and the evolving nature of hustle culture.

Without clear guidelines, the line between personal time and company time continues to blur. Employers are grappling with how to strike a balance between offering flexibility and maintaining productivity. Meanwhile, the appeal of diversifying income and developing new skills drives employees to embrace a workforce dynamic that values autonomy as much as stability.

“Side hustles demonstrate ambition, drive, and sometimes necessity, but they often come at the cost of focus during company hours,” said Bill Stoller, CEO of Express Employment International. “The data shows many companies haven’t yet established a framework to support employees managing multiple commitments. A proactive approach is needed to ensure both personal and organizational goals can thrive without conflict.”

Key Survey Insights

According to the survey, 55% of hiring managers have noticed employees juggling side gigs during work hours. This has left 50% of employers concerned that dividing time between jobs may reduce productivity and performance.

Other concerns include 47% of managers fearing a negative impact on employees’ focus and attention to detail, while 37% worry about a decline in engagement with primary responsibilities.

These concerns highlight a growing conversation within companies about how side gigs affect individual and team performance.

Employees’ Perspective

Despite managerial worries, most job seekers believe employees should be free to take on side gigs during work hours as long as it doesn’t hinder productivity. Workers argue that balancing both roles can be mutually beneficial, provided primary responsibilities remain a priority.

Additionally, over half of job seekers feel working a side gig on company time is justifiable if their primary job fails to meet basic financial needs. For many, the motivation behind side hustles is financial security, whether to boost savings or cover living expenses.

Side hustles are also seen as an avenue for professional growth. The survey found that 32% of employees pursue side gigs to learn new skills, 26% to improve existing skills, 23% to explore new industries, and 16% as a step toward transitioning to a new career.

This growing acceptance suggests companies may need to reassess their policies, weighing the potential benefits of flexible work arrangements against the need to maintain productivity and team cohesion.

The Trade-Offs

Balancing a side hustle with other responsibilities often comes at a cost. About 35% of employees report having less free time, 33% struggle with time management, and over 27% experience burnout.

Running a side hustle or small business also brings its own challenges. Employees often invest personal funds, face a fear of failure, need to acquire new skills, and miss out on traditional job benefits. Self-employment taxes further add to the financial and administrative burden.

Takeaway

As side hustles become increasingly normalized, organizations face a critical juncture. By reevaluating policies and embracing flexibility, companies can create a culture where employees’ personal and professional aspirations coexist, benefiting both the workforce and the business.