Balancing act: Employee side gigs and the impact on company culture

PHOENIX (STN) – The rise of the gig economy is reshaping the workforce, with more employees balancing traditional careers with side hustles. Whether it’s for financial security, personal passion, or career growth, professionals are increasingly finding ways to monetize their skills outside of their primary jobs.

But what does this mean for employers? Should they fight this trend or embrace it?

During a ‘Leading in the Moment’ segment in the March episode of ‘It Happens at STN,’ UMOM CEO Jackson Fonder, COO Monique Lopez, and senior public policy manager at Lyft, Francisco Avalos, tackled the evolving nature of work.

Fonder described how side gigs are no longer just supplemental income but are redefining the workforce.

“We’re in this weird fundamental shift right now where millions of people are looking at opportunities—they’re not waiting for them, they’re creating their own,” he explained. “The question shouldn’t be whether employees have a side gig because they’re going to have one. The question is, are you as an employer making it easy for people to stay or easy for them to go?”

Lopez provided the operations perspective, outlining challenges employers face when workers juggle multiple jobs. She expressed concerns about liability, benefits, and employee performance.

“I think about compensation and benefits, the overall logistics of it—it’s not easy,” she said. “Leaders have two choices: You can fight this trend, or lean in and try to leverage it to create better, more impactful teams.”

From the gig economy side, Avalos shared insights into why so many professionals are turning to platforms like Lyft. Many seek flexibility, financial stability, or a way to fund personal passions.

“People want to be fulfilled,” Avalos explained. “Whether it’s a photographer pursuing a creative interest, a teacher driving a few hours a month to pay for their child’s ballet, or someone seeking financial security, the gig economy allows people to work on their terms.”

So how should employers respond? Fonder emphasized transparency and early conversations.

“Leaders shouldn’t wait until issues arise,” he noted. Companies must set expectations, ensure performance remains a priority, and explore how side hustles can benefit both the employee and the organization.

Lopez added that companies must reassess their policies to safeguard their mission and brand while creating an environment where employees can thrive. “You want to embrace the trend and support employees while also protecting your business,” she concluded.