Many Australians work multiple jobs to make a living. (Source: TikTok)
Many shift workers across Australia are juggling multiple jobs to survive the cost of living crisis. This term is called “multi-employment” and is allowing many to keep their heads above water during these difficult times.
Research by shift tracking company Deputy found that 22% of shift workers in Australia hold at least two part-time jobs, with the overwhelming majority (68%) switching jobs in the same industry to gain additional employment. I am choosing. Deputy Chief Financial Officer Emma Seymour told Yahoo Finance that with the right balance, multiple hiring can be empowering.
“We find that employees have more predictability when it comes to their income and have more control over managing their earning capacity by supplementing their existing roles with other roles,” she said.
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Data shows that thanks to this new trend, the proportion of shift workers who can cover their expenses while saving increased from 25 percent to 35 percent between 2023 and 2024.
What’s interesting about this study is that overlapping employment may actually benefit employers as well.
While some managers may worry that staff working elsewhere will leave in search of greener pastures, overlapping employment can increase employee retention. It was found to be strengthened.
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“We’ve seen that this is often a positive thing for employers as well, because if they don’t actually have a shift to keep one employee happy and give them enough work, But having other options actually allows us to keep our employees employed.”And it also protects employees who have to look for full-time work or find more insurance elsewhere.” It’s better to be flexible than to lose an employee,” Seymour said.
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“Being flexible and adaptable means that we can actually retain our employees to the extent that we need them.”
According to research by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, as of June this year there were 961,400 people in multiple employment, a steady increase from the previous year.
This is because, according to data released in August, the unemployment rate remained at 4.2%.
The peaks and valleys of multiple employment
Social media is full of workers talking about working multiple jobs in Australia, with many taking on part-time roles in cafes, bars, restaurants, clothing stores and other retail outlets to make ends meet. Masu.
One woman said she continued to work three different shift jobs, which was a big change for her income stability.
But she also cautioned that juggling all the shifts and trying to find time to spend with loved ones or have downtime can be stressful.
Another multi-employee worker who worked at Betty’s Burgers and was also a music tutor said it was a great way to make money.
Mr Seymour said employers need to be flexible if they want to embrace this trend.
“This sense of economic security and how it continues to grow, and allowing shift workers to have flexible hours and shifts based on their needs, will support this trend,” he told Yahoo Finance. “This is especially important,” he said.
“We also encourage managers to communicate frequently with their staff. [provide] Regular training and skill improvement. ”
AI dangers for multi-employment trends
Having multiple jobs helps many people across Australia earn more money and set themselves up for later in life.
Those who have achieved this through several full-time jobs said that artificial intelligence (AI) is their greatest friend.
“The use of AI to manage multiple jobs highlights how technology is reshaping the workforce,” said Sally McKibbin, careers expert at Indeed.
However, AI in the field of multi-employment could negatively impact people’s ability to obtain additional jobs in certain industries.
Deputy’s research found that 66 percent of multiemployers are concerned about the potential for AI to completely change their jobs.
“It’s different for each sector. I think in hospitality and retail, you’re probably going to see concerns surface about, ‘How can I automate things?'” Seymour said. Explained.
“But if you look at manufacturing, there is more enthusiasm. The threat sentiment is more strongly correlated with the belief that AI will assist with daily tasks and make things easier. Not much.”
Despite being tech-savvy, Gen Z is the generation with the most concerns about AI and job automation.
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