The Hidden World of Polygamous Working
Remote work has unlocked a new trend: employees secretly holding multiple full-time jobs, known as polygamous working or being "overemployed." While not illegal, this practice often breaches contracts and raises ethical concerns.
The Risks and Consequences
- Burnout and Productivity Loss: Juggling multiple roles can lead to employee burnout and decreased productivity.
- Legal and Ethical Issues: Undisclosed multitasking may result in misuse of company resources and data security breaches.
- Erosion of Trust: This trend undermines trust in the workplace, as highlighted by HR Magazine.
How It's Done
With the rise of flexible work models, employees are leveraging tools like mouse jigglers and dual laptops to manage overlapping meetings. Platforms like Reddit and TikTok are buzzing with tips on how to pull this off.
Expert Warnings
Experts caution that polygamous working can escalate into legal and reputational disasters. Some suggest ongoing employee rescreening to mitigate risks.
Real-Life Examples
- One individual earned £87,000 from two simultaneous remote jobs.
- Another faced a year in prison for fraud after being paid for two full-time contracts over 10 months.
The Bigger Picture
This trend raises urgent questions about trust, governance, and the sustainability of remote-first work cultures. Whether driven by economic necessity or opportunism, it's a phenomenon that's here to stay—for now.
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