In a poll of 6,000 18-24-year-olds undertaken by recruitment consultancy Robert Walters 53% expressed a desire for a portfolio career, stating that flexible hours and a hybrid working environment is a must when looking for a job – otherwise it will impact their side-hustle/s.
Two thirds of those polled claim to have a side hustle, with 74% stating it is too risky to focus on just having one job as they may have done pre-pandemic.
Toby Fowlston, CEO of Robert Walters, said: “For those concerned about employees being distracted it’s worth noting that having a side hustle does not necessarily mean that an employee is not interested in progressing within their primary job.”
He added: “The traditional values of employees holding one job and being bound by moonlighting clauses in their employment contracts needs to be addressed. Employers need to be flexible, and leaders must be empathetic that – for some, a side hustle is not just a passion-project but a necessity. I would encourage businesses to have an open mind about their employees’ extra-curricular activities – encouraging them to bring that level of initiative and entrepreneurialism to the workplace.”
Almost a third of 18–24-year-olds are on a salary band of £16 – £21k, with the largest proportion (25%) being on salaries of £21 – £28K. The inability for employers to keep increasing salaries in-line with inflation or cost of living means that the young professionals situation is only worsening, leading them to looking for additional sources of income.
