Companies have long held concerns about remote work, fearing productivity declines, disconnected workforces and worsened team culture.
However, a new study reveals there might be another problem for employers: the majority of remote employees are using their time on the clock to earn extra income on the side, according to a new study.
The LendingTree study discovered that 51 percent of remote workers are earning additional income while working their primary job, and 58 percent have considered doing so.
Male remote workers were significantly more likely to work for additional income while at their remote jobs, at 58 percent versus 42 percent.
Why It Matters
The survey’s revelations add to a growing body of research documenting how economic pressures, changing job structures, and evolving expectations are reshaping how and when Americans work. With many employees facing distractions, juggling caregiving, and saving money on commuting costs, remote work continues to redefine the boundaries of productivity and accountability.
Remote work has become increasingly popular since the coronavirus pandemic. While it was first seen as a necessity to curb the spread of the virus, it now has a strong hold on the larger workforce, and many top talent will not consider a job without remote work as an option.
Nearly all, or 95 percent, of working professionals want some type of remote work, and 63 percent said it is the most important aspect of their job, even more important than salary, according to a recent FlexJobs report.
However, employers continue to have looming concerns regarding productivity.
What To Know
The LendingTree survey of 2,000 Americans, which included 450 remote workers, found there were many benefits to remote work on the employees’ side.
“One of the greatest appeals of remote work is the ability to have more flexibility within your own home,” Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek. “However, that autonomy can lead some to go down the road of doing additional work, even for completely different professions, on the clock of their primary employer.”
Roughly 70 percent of remote workers reported getting more sleep, 66 percent felt more productive, and 90 percent said they had an improved work-life balance, according to the survey.
However, remote workers were also likely to fear being let go if their company underwent layoffs, with 47 percent saying they were concerned about this.
This may reflect the reality of today’s workforce, as fully remote workers were 35 percent more likely to be laid off than in-office employees, according to a 2023 study by Live Data Technologies Inc.
Even amid these fears, 45 percent of remote workers said they were opposed to returning to the office full-time, and 42 percent relocated after securing a remote job.
What People Are Saying
LendingTree chief consumer finance analyst Matt Schulz said in the report: “It can be tempting to try to generate some extra income while working remotely, but it comes with real risk, too. Splitting your focus that way can make you less productive. That’s dangerous any time, but especially in a time of significant economic uncertainty in which many companies are already looking for ways to get leaner and more efficient. The last thing you should do is keep secrets from your employer.”
Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: “As appealing as the notion may be, it’s important to understand the ramifications could be dire and include you losing your current role and potentially dooming other employees to return to the office if the employer feels like violations of their policies may be widespread.”
What Happens Next
Beene said that if more employees take advantage of their employers’ offering remote work, it could lead to these types of positions being less available in the future.
“Remote work is a job feature many employees would love to have,” Beene said. “Trying to take advantage of it ensures there will be fewer of those opportunities in the future.”
A previous national survey collected by SideHustles.com found that 33 percent of remote employees are working two or more jobs. The reasons cited include the rising cost of living and the relative ease of managing remote roles.
“Remote workers are increasingly working multiple jobs due to the rising cost of living in recent years. Additionally, many remote roles are relatively easy to manage, allowing workers to take on additional jobs without a noticeable drop in productivity,” Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group, previously told Newsweek.
The post More Than Half Remote Staff Work a Side Hustle While on the Clock appeared first on Newsweek.
