The Hattie

The workplace revolution sparked by hybrid and remote work has led to an unexpected phenomenon: overemployment. More professionals than ever are secretly juggling multiple full-time jobs, leveraging flexible work arrangements to maximise their income. While some see this as a financial hack, others question the ethical and professional implications. But why has overemployment gained traction, and what does it mean for workers and employers?

The rise of overemployment

Overemployment is defined as holding two or more full-time jobs simultaneously without the knowledge of the employers. It’s seen a surge in popularity. The movement gained momentum during the pandemic, when remote work became the norm. Without the need to commute or be physically present in an office, many employees realised they could complete their work in a fraction of the expected hours, freeing up time for a second job.

Platforms like Reddit’s r/overemployed community have grown, filled with stories from professionals who have mastered the art of balancing multiple jobs. 

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What’s the appeal of overemployment?

Several factors contribute to the rise of overemployment:

1. Financial Security: With inflation and economic uncertainty, workers see multiple salaries as a hedge against layoffs and instability.
   
2. Efficiency and Underutilisation: Many professionals feel they can complete their workload in much less than a typical 40-hour workweek, leaving them with idle time.
   
3. Job Dissatisfaction: Instead of quitting a role they dislike, some workers opt to keep it while pursuing another opportunity that better aligns with their interests or skills.
   
4. The Normalisation of Remote Work: The shift to remote and hybrid models has made it easier to manage multiple roles without raising suspicion.

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Is overemployment legal in the UK?

Technically there is no law against overemployment in the UK. However, your contract may include clauses forbidding you from taking on additional work, particularly if you might be working for a direct competitor! If your employer finds out then you could risk disciplinary action or dismissal for breach of contract. 

You must also let HMRC know that you are working more than one job to ensure you don’t end up underpaying tax.

The ethical dilemma

While overemployment may seem like a brilliant financial strategy, it also raises ethical concerns. Some argue that overemployment contributes to workplace inefficiencies. If an employee is working two full-time jobs but only delivering the bare minimum at each, it could lead to diminished team productivity and trust.

Employers’ response to overemployment

Companies are becoming increasingly aware of overemployment and taking steps to prevent it. Some firms are implementing keystroke monitoring, random check-ins, or even AI-driven productivity tracking to ensure employees are fully engaged in their roles.

That said, many organisations are also reassessing the traditional 40-hour workweek model. Some are shifting towards outcome-based performance metrics rather than hours worked, recognising that employees who deliver results should have more flexibility in how they manage their time.

The future of work: A balancing act

The overemployment trend signals a broader conversation about the future of work. Are rigid full-time roles becoming obsolete? Should companies focus more on results rather than clocked hours? And how much control should an employer have over an employee’s time?

While overemployment presents risks, it also challenges outdated work structures that prioritise presence over productivity. Whether seen as a clever financial strategy or a workplace deception, one thing is certain: the conversation around work, flexibility, and ethics is far from over.