More than half of Gen Z workers in the UK are actively considering second jobs in a bid to cover basic living expenses, according to a major new study.
The large-scale survey of 5,609 working adults by employee engagement firm Boostworks found that 57% of Gen Z and 71% of Millennials are exploring side hustles. Nearly one in five Gen Z workers are already juggling a second job. The main driver is not ambition or creative fulfilment, but financial necessity amid rising living costs.
The findings paint a picture of a younger workforce under growing pressure, with nearly half of Millennials (49%) and 44% of Gen Z reporting that financial stress is affecting their ability to concentrate at work.
“The vast majority of young workers are taking on second jobs because they simply can’t make ends meet,” said Boostworks CEO Jo Werker. “It’s draining — mentally, physically and financially. When people are stretched this thin, it’s hard to stay focused or engaged. Employers may want to consider whether their current packages are keeping pace with what employees are really facing day to day.”
She added that the findings indicated a potential gap between employer support and the realities of rising living costs, and that closing this gap could help protect employee wellbeing and retention.
More Than Ambition
Boostworks is urging employers to look past the assumption that side hustles are always a sign of entrepreneurial drive. While such motivations may exist, the data suggests a deeper financial struggle is at play.
“If more employees are turning to second incomes, it could be a sign that existing pay and benefits aren’t fully meeting their needs,” said Werker. “This is a chance for employers to evolve their strategies to better support people in their primary roles, helping them stay focused, motivated and well.”
The research revealed strong demand for employer-provided financial planning tools and non-salary-based benefits. Among Gen Z respondents, 74% said they wanted access to financial education and planning resources.
Other preferences varied by age group. Millennials and Gen X were drawn to practical savings such as shopping discounts and cashback schemes, while Baby Boomers prioritised performance-based bonuses.
Across all generations, there was a clear appetite for meaningful support beyond basic pay, tailored to different stages of life and financial need.
Risk of Burnout
The study’s findings suggest that some workers are overextending themselves to stay afloat. Werker said that while side hustles can offer fulfilment, the underlying financial pressure for many is a red flag.
“We recognise that side hustles can offer fulfilment and entrepreneurial opportunity, particularly for Gen Z, but it’s important to understand why so many are turning to them out of financial necessity,” she said. “By opening up conversations around fairness, support and wellbeing, employers have a real opportunity to strengthen loyalty and help their teams stay focused, energised and engaged.”
The Generation Z element of the research involved 1,200 employed adults aged 18 to 28. Of these, 501 were polled by research firm Censuswide and 699 by Boostworks as part of a wider survey, which ran from 9 to 13 June 2025. The total sample size was 5,609 UK workers, either full or part time.