A Canadian and American audience should know that a study commissioned by Rabota.ru, and summarized by socialbites.ca, explored how employers view employees who take on extra work outside their main roles. The findings illuminate a broader conversation about side gigs and corporate dynamics across these markets.
The survey revealed a strong signal from business leaders: 85% of company representatives in the sample view an additional job held by employees with a mostly positive lens. This suggests that, in many sectors, a supplementary income is not seen as a threat but rather as a potential signal of initiative and practical time management.
When asked about the perceived benefits of side work, a clear majority identified extra earnings as the foremost advantage, with 80% of leaders listing it as a key reason their staff pursue part-time roles. Other benefits included exposure to new experiences (46%), which employers believe can translate into fresh skills that enrich the employee’s performance in their primary duties. About 39% noted a potential drop in burnout risk, while 15% saw side work as a means to introduce variability into the routine, which some organizations consider beneficial for morale and adaptability.
Part-time roles appear particularly popular in retail and consumer services, where positions such as sales associates, cashiers, and consultants are common. Beyond traditional storefront work, many individuals also turn to flexible tasks such as translation, legal aid, and other professional services as part-time opportunities. Among younger workers and students, jobs like courier tasks, order picking, event organization, and related roles attract interest due to their adaptable hours. In short, there is a broad spectrum of part-time options that align with the desire for flexible schedules and supplementary income, a pattern observed across several economies.
However, not all employers share this positive view. About 15% expressed reservations about side gigs. The primary concern, cited by roughly 70% of these detractors, is that an additional income source could distract staff from core responsibilities. Productivity declines and conflicts of interest were each highlighted by about 58% of skeptical leaders, while nearly half worried that company resources might be diverted to support the extra work. A smaller portion, around 10%, warned about the risk of professional burnout impacting the primary role.
These themes echo broader labor-market dynamics observed in other large economies, where the rise of freelancing, gig work, and secondary streams of income intersects with employer expectations, employee wellbeing, and organizational goals. The discussion continues to evolve as companies balance the appeal of flexible work arrangements with the need to maintain focus, alignment, and productivity within their teams. This analysis aligns with ongoing market observations and underlying trends in work patterns across North America, offering a snapshot of attitudes toward side jobs in modern employment. [Citation: Rabota.ru study summarized by socialbites.ca]