Gen Zs also starting to take over in hospitality, retail businesses in Australia
The number of shift employees juggling multiple jobs reached a 25-year high of seven per cent in 2023, according to Deputy.
Deputy's "The Big Shift Report" revealed that all major industries across Australia saw an increase in the number of shift workers with multiple jobs.
This includes roles even in the services sector, according to the report, noting that professions such as delivery and postal workers, as well security personnel saw an increase of multiple job holders even if employees there historically preferred to hold just one job.
The hospitality industry saw the highest numbers with eight per cent, followed by healthcare (7%) and retail industries (6%), according to the report.
Shashi Karunanethy, chief economist at Geografia, said the increase in multiple job holders is a response to the cost-of-living crisis.
"Having entered the workforce during the pandemic, a period of instability and widespread layoffs, this generation is using poly-employment not only as a means to navigate rising costs, but also in the search for sustainable employment, reliable shifts, and financial stability," Karunanethy said in a statement.
Gen Zs dominating shift work hours
Meanwhile, the report also found that Gen Zs are rapidly growing in hospitality and retail businesses, with expectations emerging that they will be the largest workforce in the services field this year.
According to the report, Gen Zs made up 38% of the hospitality workforce in 2023, higher than the 34% of Millennial employees.
This is a similar trend in the retail industry, according to the report, noting that Gen Zs also took up half of the total shift work hours there in 2023.
"While it is natural that we would see an increase in Gen Z shift workers, this change is taking place much faster than anticipated, about three years ahead of the projected timeline, and far ahead of their counterparts in other markets," Karunanethy said.
"With Gen Z taking up the majority of shift work hours, they have the ability to shape workplaces, and business leaders will have to adapt to their specific needs to attract and retain talent amid tight labour conditions."
