The cost of living is climbing, and it seems like everyone’s trying to keep up.

More and more professionals are opting for a second job — whether it’s to pay off a mounting credit card bill, afford those sky-high utility bills, or simply to ensure their lifestyle isn’t too badly affected by inflation. The reality? Companies might need to start adjusting their mindset and approach, because the age of moonlighting and double-jobbing is upon us.

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What is Moonlighting and Double-Jobbing?

Before we get into it, let’s clear up the terminology.

• Moonlighting refers to taking on a secondary job, typically after hours or on the weekends. It's often a freelance job or side hustle that isn’t your main source of income but helps to supplement it. For example, a full-time accountant working during the day might moonlight as a freelance financial consultant in the evenings.

• Double-jobbing is essentially the same concept, but it implies holding two part-time or full-time jobs at the same time, often with overlapping hours. For example, a tech professional working as a software developer for one company during the day and taking on another development project in the evenings.

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The Rise of Moonlighting: What's Really Going On?

A few years ago, someone having a second job might have meant they had a small side hustle or hobby. But now? Some are saying it's become a necessity. With inflation putting more pressure on household budgets, people are looking for additional income streams — and fast.

Is this becoming the norm? It would seem so for a good majority of the population across the UK. And it’s not just isolated to one industry. Doesn't matter whether you're in the arts, construction, corporate etc — it’s happening everywhere.

In fact, a survey revealed that nearly 1 in 4 employees have considered or already have a second job. This shift doesn’t just affect workers; it raises a huge question for employers: how will companies handle a workforce that is balancing multiple jobs?

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Why is this Happening?

The answer is pretty straightforward. It's all about money. The cost of living is going up, and salaries aren’t necessarily keeping pace. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), just 3 years ago, UK inflation hit a 40-year high in 2022, making it more difficult for people to make ends meet — and they're still struggling. Rent, fuel, groceries — everything is getting more expensive. With wages stagnating, it’s no surprise people are looking for ways to supplement their incomes.

But there’s more to it. Work-life balance is shifting. More employees are seeking flexible or remote work options, giving them the freedom to take on additional projects. These types of working conditions were at an all-time high during the early years of the Covid-19 pandemic, but it seems that more companies are trying to force people back into the office either full time or at minimum 4 days a week (with little flexibility).

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The Impact on Employers: Is This Something to Worry About?

As much as the idea of employees having side hustles or moonlighting may feel like a betrayal, it’s important for businesses to realise that it might not be as bad as it sounds. In fact, many employees pursuing second jobs are just looking to stay afloat — it’s not necessarily a reflection of their engagement or loyalty to their primary employer.

However, employers need to understand that lack of transparency can lead to friction. If employees are working multiple jobs and those jobs are in direct competition with each other, things can get tricky. Not only might it create a conflict of interest, but it could also affect productivity and performance.

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What Can Employers Do?

Companies can’t ignore the fact that double-jobbing is on the rise. But there are a few things they can do to adapt:

1. Have a Clear Policy – If your employees are working side gigs, make sure you have a policy in place to manage it. Be clear about what’s acceptable, and what isn’t, especially if there’s potential for conflict. Do employees need to disclose their second job? What about working hours?

2. Offer Flexibility – One of the best ways to keep employees engaged is by offering them flexibility. If your workers feel like they’re supported in balancing work with life responsibilities, they may be less likely to take on additional jobs outside of your company.

3. Create a Culture of Transparency – Having open discussions about secondary jobs will help you understand your employees’ motivations. It’s not about policing their free time, but rather encouraging a culture where your team feels comfortable being transparent about their commitments.

4. Be Competitive with Benefits and Pay – Ultimately, if employees are double-jobbing to make ends meet, it’s a sign that their salary may not be cutting it. Offering better compensation could reduce the need for employees to seek extra income elsewhere.

5. Offer Career Development – The more you invest in your employees’ growth, the less likely they’ll feel the need to seek side work. Career progression opportunities that align with their goals will keep them motivated and reduce the temptation to look elsewhere for extra income.

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Looking Forward: Will This Be the New Normal?

The rise of side jobs isn’t going away. In fact, it's likely to keep increasing as the cost of living continues to put pressure on households. But rather than resist it, employers have a choice. They can either adapt and create a supportive, flexible work environment or face the potential consequences of disengagement and burnout as employees juggle multiple jobs.

It’s important for businesses to realise that the modern workforce is evolving, and flexibility is key to retaining top talent. In the long run, making your company a place where employees can feel secure, valued, and supported could be the key to success — no side hustle required.