Nearly one-third of Canadian job seekers are pursuing side hustles during their primary work hours, with half of employers lacking policies to prevent it, a recent survey reveals. According to a study conducted by Express Employment Professionals and The Harris Poll, 29% of Canadian job seekers admit to working side gigs during company time
While 87% of respondents reported having worked a side gig at some point in their careers, almost a third (29%) are currently doing so, with 10% working full-time and 19% part-time on their side jobs during work hours. Younger employees appear more likely to engage in these activities; nearly half of millennial (47%) and 41% of Gen Z job seekers indicated they would consider working side gigs if they felt they could do so undetected.
The findings highlight a gap in workplace policies, as 49% of Canadian companies reportedly lack any rules against side hustles on company time. Half of the surveyed employees also said they were unaware of their employer’s stance on the issue. Bill Stoller, CEO of Express Employment International, emphasized the need for a more structured approach, stating, “While it’s clear side hustles reflect ambition, drive and sometimes, necessity, they often come at the expense of focus during company hours.”
The study also explored workers’ perspectives on balancing multiple jobs. About 52% of job seekers believe employees should be allowed to pursue side gigs during work hours if it does not impact their primary job performance. Many respondents pointed to the high cost of living as the driving force behind their need for additional income, with 51% citing expenses as a primary motivator.
While employers express concerns over productivity losses, employee engagement, and focus, only 29% of hiring managers have updated their policies to address side hustles. Despite this, 61% of companies that discover an employee’s side gig activity take action, most often requesting employees limit these jobs to non-work hours.
The data suggests a notable generational divide in attitudes toward side hustles, with younger workers more inclined to embrace multiple jobs as a financial necessity. Fifty-four percent of millennials and 52% of Gen Z respondents believe employees should be allowed to work side gigs if their primary income is insufficient, compared to just 28% of Gen X and 35% of boomers.
The Job Insights and Job Seeker Report surveys were conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals, polling 504 Canadian hiring decision-makers and 505 Canadian adults, respectively, between May and June 2024.
