Polyworking: The new trend on the job market

Polyworking describes the combination of several jobs or projects at the same time and is becoming a central labor market trend, particularly among millennials and Gen Z. The reasons for this include financial security, self-development and more flexible career paths. At the same time, hybrid work models are increasing the compatibility of different activities. In addition to benefits such as higher income and new skills, polyworking also entails risks such as stress and overwork. With Flexopus, hybrid workplaces and resources can be efficiently coordinated so that companies can better integrate and support polyworkers.

Polyworking through effective resource booking — with Flexopus!

Polyworking Definition

Polyworking is the practice of carrying out several different professional activities or projects at the same time, instead of limiting yourself to a single job. This way of working goes beyond traditional part-time jobs and represents a permanently coordinated portfolio of various activities that combines economic stability with personal development. Polyworkers are characterized by their versatility, flexibility and the ability to perform various roles and tasks in parallel.

The forms of polyworking are varied:

• Combination of a main job with several side projects
• Two or more part-time jobs in parallel
• Several long-term freelance jobs
• Combining different roles such as strategy, consulting, teaching or creative work

Why more and more Gen-Z and millennials are using polyworking

According to a worldwide study by academized.com 52 percent of millennials between the ages of 26 and 41 have at least one part-time job. In Germany, this share is even 54 percent — leading in Europe ahead of Great Britain (49 percent) and France (41 percent). Remarkable: A third of respondents are juggling four or more jobs at the same time.

The main motivation for polyworking is primarily financial security, which is cited by 40 percent of respondents. However, self-development also plays an important role for 24 percent, while 17 percent want to develop new skills. In addition, 28 percent say they achieve a better work-life balance through multiple jobs.

Polyworking examples

A typical example of polyworking is a Scrum Master who is employed by a software company during the day, supervises various projects on a freelance basis in the evening and takes part in volunteer art projects over the weekend. Alternatively, people can combine a part-time job in the company with self-employment or a teaching position.

In the tech sector, 35 percent of millennials are already using AI tools for their side jobs and in some cases generate additional income of up to 40,000 euros per year. In total, 36 percent of European polyworkers earn over 10,000 euros a year through their secondary jobs (Source: academized.com).

What are the advantages and disadvantages of polyworking?

The trend towards polyworking offers numerous advantages and disadvantages that should be considered when deciding on this form of work.

Benefits of polyworking

Financial security is paramount for many polyworkers. Multiple sources of income create a type of risk diversification that offers protection, particularly in times of economic uncertainty. Income can also be drastically increased through several activities. Depending on the distribution and jobs, polyworkers earn significantly more than with just one job.

In addition to the financial aspect, many polyworkers appreciate the opportunity to develop themselves. They also use multiple jobs to develop new skills and improve their career opportunities. Diversity also promotes adaptability to new requirements in the constantly changing job market.

In addition, polyworking offers extended networking opportunities by connecting with various professional circles and increases professional satisfaction for many through more variety.

Flexopus can help you better coordinate PolyWorking activities and maximize benefits while minimizing risks. Companies using Flexopus allow flexible resource booking, so that tables or rooms can be planned accordingly — spontaneously and with foresight. As a result, the entire workforce is informed who is sitting where and when someone appears. In this way, polyworkers are effectively integrated into everyday working life.

Disadvantages of polyworking

Despite the positive aspects, a remarkable 42 percent of polyworkers report states of exhaustion and symptoms of burnout. Performing several tasks in parallel requires excellent time management, which often leads to stress.

Particularly problematic: 26 percent of polyworkers experience tensions in their personal relationships, while 19 percent notice a decline in their performance in their main job (Source: academized.com). In extreme cases, some polyworkers work up to 80 hours a week, which can cause long-term health problems.

Companies, on the other hand, have concerns about loyalty and potential conflicts of interest. Legal issues relating to employment contracts, secondary employment clauses and working time laws must also be clarified.

Polyworking and hybrid work (hybrid polyworking)

The combination of polyworking with hybrid work creates a particularly flexible working model. Hybrid working combines face-to-face work in the office with working from home or other places and - depending on the type of employment - allows more freedom in organising working time. This flexibility increasingly favors polyworking, as multiple hybrid jobs can be coordinated, regardless of location or time zone.

According to a recent study, 24% of employees work as polyworkers, with 16% planning to start. It is remarkable that 30% of hybrid workers have at least one part-time job — significantly more than among pure office workers (24%) or remote workers (11%). This shows the natural synergy between hybrid working models and polyworking.

For younger generations, this combination is an attractive option:

• 55% of employees are interested in “microshifting” — short, non-linear work blocks
• Almost half (48%) plan personal appointments during working hours
• 60% of managers confirm higher productivity through hybrid work

However, 36% of workers report increasing stress. Successful implementation therefore requires clear communication rules, technical support and a culture of trust.

Conclusion

Hybrid polyworking combines flexibility with economic security and is particularly promoted by younger generations. This form of work is more than a temporary trend — it represents a lasting change in the world of work.

With Flexopus, you can optimally organize your PolyWorking activities in a hybrid work environment. The platform helps you to coordinate various activities at different work locations and helps to structure your working hours efficiently.

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