Poly-employment: Everything you need to know about this Gen Z workplace trend

At a time of increasing economic pressure across the globe, especially in Australia, Gen Z is once again leading the way. They are changing work culture by shifting to the concept of working multiple jobs at the same time. This work culture is generally referred to as poly-employment.

Poly-employment, otherwise known as having multiple jobs simultaneously, has become a notable trend among Gen Z workers. This generation puts flexibility, diverse skill acquisition, and financial stability at the forefront of their work. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z approaches employment with a unique mindset, balancing various roles to achieve both personal and professional goals.

Recently, the Sydney Morning Herald reported that more Australian hospitality workers than ever are taking multiple jobs. This trend has become rampant as many are quitting in search of better-paying jobs to cope with cost-of-living pressures.

The poly-employment rate reached a historic high of 6.1% by mid-2023. This trend is led by the hospitality sector (7.8%), followed by healthcare (7.2%) and retail (5.6%), according to the latest employment report from the HR management platform Deputy.

Poly-employment became more pronounced in 2023 as Gen Z employment increased in hospitality and retail, among other industries.

The majority of those engaged in poly-employment tend to be Gen Z, accounting for 65% in 2023. The second largest demographic is Millennials (27%), while Gen X and Baby Boomers trail behind at 6% and 1%, respectively. The report found that better pay has become a major motive for changing jobs.

The work-from-home trend sparked by COVID lockdowns has led to a shift in the way young Australians find jobs. Rather than starting at fast-food restaurants in the CBD, Gen Z is increasingly turning to cafes, restaurants, or local gyms for work.

Let's take a holistic look at this trending phrase - poly-employment.

Understanding the concept of poly-employment

According to a report by Deputy, Dr. Shashi Karunanethy explains that while poly-employment is defined as holding two or more jobs simultaneously, it embodies a broader trend among this new generation towards diverse, flexible, and varied approaches to work.

The phrase poly-employment is similar to "minimum Monday," "minimum wage," and "acting your wage." It applies to the Gen Z workforce and even the Millennial generation. The term is important to move beyond the instinct to generalize the supposed work ethics of the younger workforce.

This trend is driven by a combination of personal preferences, economic realities, and the dynamic nature of the labor market. Gen Z sees multiple job holding not only as a way to make ends meet but also as an opportunity to explore different career paths and develop new skills.

Earlier this month, Deputy also published a similar report in the US, analysing data from more than 120,000 post-employment workers. Deputy found that multiple job roles are becoming increasingly common, especially among young women, with a strong presence in industries such as hospitality, healthcare, and retail.

Significantly, the report notes more than a doubling of the number of multiple job holders since 2021. While the concept of having multiple jobs is not new, some clear differences show changes in the post-pandemic workplace.

Benefits of poly-employment

Poly-employment gives room for individuals to build a diverse skill set which helps them in their career development. The versatility makes Gen Z quite attractive to potential employers and business owners. 

Poly-employment expands one's professional network and connections. Interacting with members of your team and professionals opens doors to new opportunities and many other benefits. These connections can lead to collaborations, referrals, skill development, and career advancements.

The gig economy remains relevant in Australia and multiple employment fits well with the principles of self-employment. Taking on multiple roles allows people to take advantage of different employment opportunities, such as working as a freelance consultant, writer, courier or digital creator, or to undertake short-term projects or freelance work, which in turn contributes to a more dynamic and agile workforce. 

Most of the Gen Z workers pursue poly-employment for personal fulfilment. So, engaging in multiple roles paves the way for them to explore their passions and interests. Poly-employment's flexibility allows people to adapt their schedules to their lifestyle, achieving a better work-life balance. You may have the opportunity to choose when, where and how much you work as part of your second job. 

Why Gen Z embraces poly-employment

Workers of Gen Z prioritise flexibility and career autonomy, they need their freedom. This set of workers seek opportunities that allow them to effectively manage their time and pursue multiple interests. The usual 9 am to 5 am jobs usually don't provide their desired liberty. Therefore, they juggle multiple roles. Joggle workers can create a work schedule that suits their lifestyle.

The new trend, poly-employment enables Gen Z to build a broad skill set. Working in different companies and different positions, helps them gather different experiences and knowledge in their various careers. This diversification makes them more adaptable and competitive talent in the labour market. It also aligns with their desire for upskilling and reskilling.

The uncertainty of the global economy, especially in Australia, drives Gen Z to seek multiple income streams. Relying on a single job could be very risky, especially in volatile markets. Therefore, poly-employment offers a safety net, ensuring a more stable financial situation. This approach helps them save for future goals and reduce financial stress.

You can also read: 

• What do women want at the workplace?
• Women in HR: The factors behind female dominance in Human Resources
• 6 supportive policies to address menopause and retain valuable talent

Poly-employment: More than just a trend

Data from the United States proves that women are more likely to hold multiple jobs. 7.9% of women do so compared to men, who stand at 5.6%. This implies that poly-employment as a new pattern of work, especially among Gen Z has come to stay.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), in September 2023, 6.6% of the Australian workforce, about 946,300 people, worked in different occupations. The number has increased dramatically, from 111,000 in 2017 to about 194,000 in 2023 among employees aged 20 to 24.

Remote jobs and online skill-building have proffered more chances for career development at tender ages, which made poly-employment prevalent among them. The ABS report indicates that the arts and leisure services sector recently had the highest proportion of people with multiple jobs. Administration, agriculture, forestry, fishing, accommodation, and food services are following both sectors.

Generation Z is adopting multiple jobs to achieve flexibility, and financial stability and acquire a diverse range of skills. Driven by economic constraints and personal preferences, this trend has transformed the job market and made job diversity an important aspect of modern work culture.

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