More UK workers are moonlighting, says report

A report released last week by technology firm Adobe has revealed that one in four UK workers are currently moonlighting (defined as having two or more jobs), while 64% people believe better technology would improve their workday.

The survey of over 2,000 office professionals in the UK, US and India found that 58% of UK workers predict that having two or more jobs will be the norm in the future and that almost half (46%) of UK workers claim that work now defines who they are. In the UK, the number one reason given for moonlighting (other than money) was ‘for fun’ (27%), followed by pursuing a passion, networking opportunities, to gain skills and experience, help others, and for social interaction.

The Adobe Work in Progress report revealed that UK moonlighters are more likely to be happy (68%) and optimistic (69%) than non-moonlighters (59s% and 55%, respectively).

The report also examined how technology and other factors are changing how we work, with some 72% of those in the UK claiming that access to technology to connect with colleagues more efficiently is the most important factor within their workplace. This is equal to access to food and drink throughout the day.

UK workers ranked access to modern technology as more important than lounge and relaxation areas, office design and access to on-site amenities, in terms of their overall workplace satisfaction. The benefits of embracing technology also appear to go beyond employee morale, with 69% of UK workers feeling more productive at businesses that are up-to-date with the latest technology. However, it seems UK employers are still catching up with this trend, as only 15% of UK workers believe that their company’s technology is up-to-date.

Speaking of the Work in Progress report, Jeff Vijungco, Vice President of Global Talent at Adobe, explained: “Employers may be focusing too much on ping-pong tables and free dry cleaning, instead of technology that helps their employees feel motivated, valued and productive. Employers need to pay attention to productivity more than perks, and realise that their employees are happy to work when a company invests in their success.”