Second jobs on the rise as employers urged to prioritise transparency and wellbeing

A growing number of employees in the UK and Ireland are quietly taking on second jobs, driven by financial pressures, evolving career attitudes, and the rise of portfolio careers. Recent research by fraud prevention service Cifas found that nearly one in five employees are juggling multiple roles, with almost a quarter believing it is justifiable. This “polygamous working” trend raises questions about employee wellbeing, performance, and compliance with legal work limits.

INTOO UK & Ireland is calling for employers to foster transparency and open dialogue with staff to manage these risks. Managing Director Owen Morgan highlighted that secrecy around additional roles can lead to burnout, reduced productivity, strained workplace relationships, and potential breaches of the Working Time Regulations, which cap average weekly hours at 48 unless employees opt out in writing.

Employees often avoid disclosing secondary work for fear of disapproval or disciplinary action, even when no direct conflict exists. Without transparency, managers may struggle to detect fatigue, support wellbeing, or balance workloads effectively.

Morgan emphasises that the solution lies in trust and flexibility. Clear, fair policies on secondary work should focus on transparency rather than punishment. If performance expectations are met and no conflicts exist, second jobs can coexist with primary employment, provided the arrangement is sustainable for both parties. Flexible working arrangements and honest communication were also identified as critical tools for addressing burnout, with three-quarters of workers reporting some degree of fatigue.

As the labour landscape evolves, open conversations around multiple roles are becoming essential. Encouraging transparency allows employers to safeguard legal compliance, support employee wellbeing, and maintain high performance, while employees gain the freedom to pursue financial or personal ambitions without fear.

Read the full article into managing second jobs and protecting workforce wellbeing.