While the research found that 65 per cent of Aussies would like a four-day work week compared to the traditional five-day one, this is on the condition that it would mean better work–life balance and staff happiness without a reduction in productivity.

As such, only 15 per cent would be willing to make the shift to a four-day week if it meant a pro rata reduction in salary, and only 22 per cent would accept a pro rata reduction in holiday allowance. Moreover, only 33 per cent would give up flexible working arrangements, like hybrid working, for a four-day week working solely from the office.

The publication of HiBob’s report comes at a time when Australia has seen a sharp rise in companies adopting four-day work weeks, with many companies that have trialled four-day work weeks reported significant boosts to productivity, happiness and work-life balance. Some experts even believe a four-day work week could become mainstream in just three years.

The report also highlighted what may happen to businesses if they force compromises on their workers especially as the findings are even more pronounced for women than men. 69 per cent of women and 60 per cent of men would like a four-day work week compared to a five-day one, but only 23 per cent of women and 41 per cent of men would take it if it meant returning to the office full time.

Sabrina Scherm, HiBob’s client advocacy manager, commented, “For four-day work weeks to become mainstream, employers are going to have to take a leap of faith. It’s understandable that many business leaders are sceptical, but the results from trials show that it works, and it doesn’t come at the cost of profitability.

Scherm added, “What our data shows, however, is that businesses who are thinking about moving to a four-day work week, should do so without forcing employees to compromise. Otherwise those businesses may experience a further decrease in productivity or an increase in employee churn.”

The fourth annual Women in the Workplace report surveyed a thousand men and a thousand women in Australia to uncover workplace trends and attitudes. The research assesses pay, job progression, leadership, job security and more, at a time when the country faces economic uncertainty.

The post Aussies will not sacrifice flexible work in favour of a four-day work week appeared first on Inside Small Business.

The research has found that AI Literacy leads among the 15 fast-growing skills as more companies are looking for professionals with the ability to understand and utilise tools harnessing AI technology for business purposes.

Related to AI Literacy, proficiency in Large Language Models (LLM) is also a highly sought after skill. With generative AI taking hold in the workplace, the report noted that there is an increased demand for professionals (especially software engineers and data scientists) who can build and/or work with LLMs and other generative AI systems.

Demand for people with statistical data analysis skills are also on the rise as businesses need people to interpret and analyse statistical data in an environment increasingly relying on data-driven decisions.

Many businesses are also keen on identifying and nurturing new, potential customers for their growth and sustainability, which explains and increased demand for lead generation skills, especially among those who are tasked with business development and marketing operations.

And wiith retail and hospitality industries continuing to evolve, businesses in these sectors are seeking people (especially customer-facing staff) with proficiency in modern point of sales (POS) systems for efficient operations and improved customer experiences.

Also included in the inaugural LinkedIn Skills on the Rise report are the following hard and soft skills:

• Communication
• Adaptability
• Strategic thinking
• Customer service management
• Market analysis
• Regulatory compliance
• Conflict resolution
• Budget management

According to LinkedIn, it ranked these skills based on three pillars: skill acquisition (the rate at which members are adding new skills to their profile); hiring success (the share of a skill possessed by members who have been hired in the past year; and emerging demand (the increased presence of a given skill in paid job postings). Growth rates for all metrics are measured by comparing LinkedIn data from January 1 to December 31, 2024 to the same period in the previous year (January 1 to December 31, 2023).

The post The fastest-growing skills in Australia identified by LinkedIn appeared first on Inside Small Business.

The report found that residential consumers and small businesses made 15,297 complaints to the TIO between October and December 2024. While the lack of phone or internet service and intermittent connection remain the primary complaints (a 44.1 per cent and 21.1 per cent increase respectively), a significant number of complaints pertained to the impact of the 3G network shutdown, especially during the 2024 Q4 period.

Small businesses have been found to be impacted greatly by the 3G shutdown during 2024 Q4, which contributed to the 12.8 per cent increase in complaints from small businesses, which broke the record of four consecutive quarters of minimal complaints filed by the small-business sector against telcos. In fact, there were large increases in complaints from SMEs due to no phone or internet service (up 58.9 percent) and poor mobile coverage (up 35.4 per cent). Businesses seeking compensation for financial loss also increased six per cent compared to the previous quarter.
 
Complaints coming back unresolved by providers also surged, up 14.7 per cent from the previous quarter. The main issues reported in unresolved complaints continue to be no or delayed action by provider, service and equipment fees and intermittent service or dropouts.

Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman, Cynthia Gebert commented, “We have seen an increase in consumers reaching out who are frustrated with their telcos. Everyone should have access to the service they’re promised, yet we are seeing an increase in persistent challenges with patchy service and dropouts, and no phone or internet service.”

Geber added, “I appreciate the work telcos do to resolve complaints directly, but with more people and small businesses reaching out to my office for help, there is clearly more that can be done. It is encouraging to see the drop-off in 3G shutdown complaints in December, yet we are continuing to hear from people in rural and regional Victoria who are facing ongoing challenges. I implore the telcos to keep working on solutions that ensure equal access to reliable and phone and internet service for all people in Australia.”

The post Telco complaints surge among SMEs during last quarter, 3G shutdown appeared first on Inside Small Business.

“Competition for skilled tradespeople in Australia remains stiff, with the home building industry competing for workers against a large public infrastructure pipeline,” stated HIA Senior Economist Tom Devitt.

Bricklaying (-1.02) and ceramic tiling (-0.84) trades saw the most acute shortages of those surveyed, not seeing much improvement in availability over the last 12-18 months though other trades have been seeing gradual improvement in availability. In particular, electrical trades have consistently recorded the most ‘modest’ shortages, with an index of just -0.09. This was followed by site preparation (-0.18) and plumbing (-0.19).

“There is a $155 billion pipeline of public sector construction work underway that has been absorbing available labour across the country,” Devitt said. “This competition is producing persistent trades shortages that, while less extreme than recent years, are still more acute than anything seen in the nearly two decades before the pandemic.”

The report noted that Australia would need an additional 83,000 workers in key residential construction trades, a 30 per cent boost on current employment levels, to meet the Australian government’s Housing Accord target of 1.2 million new homes over five years.

For this, the HIA has submitted its Pre-Budget Submission for 2025-2026 which outlined a number of critical reforms needed to address the chronic and long-term skills shortages by providing apprentice and employer subsidies, targeted funding towards trade-ready and pre-apprenticeship training and a comprehensive awareness program to encourage young people to take on a trade.

HIA also recommended the development of a streamlined and simplified visa program for in-demand trades and the development of a specific construction trade contractor visa tailored to suit the way work is arranged on building sites.

“Failure to address the acute, persistent and potentially worsening shortage of skilled trades will leave a major constraint, not just on housing affordability but on broader productivity and economic growth,” concluded Devitt.

The HIA Trades Report provides a quarterly review of the availability of skilled trades and any demand pressures on trades operating in the residential building industry.
 

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Clutter is more than just an eyesore. It creates the illusion in the subconscious that work is never truly done, leading to mental fatigue and burnout. Mess distracts the eye, reducing your focus and increasing your stress levels. Plus, an untidy environment can hinder productivity. Employees may spend unnecessary time searching for misplaced items, reducing output and energy.

Is your workspace holding you back? Here’s how you can turn things around and get uncluttered for good.

Step one: start

The first step to to start. Here’s a suggestion: begin with your work desk. Remove all items and discard things you don’t use. Next, categorise essentials into separate piles. You might have a pile for ‘personal’, a pile for ‘paperwork to do’, and so on. Find spaces on your desk, in drawers, etc. for each category. You might want to buy some organisers or folders if you need.

Keeping clutter away permanently

Once the clutter is cleared, that is when reorganisation comes in.

Set a decluttering schedule to make maintenance of the workspace easier. Dedicating time weekly or monthly to reevaluate and organise both physical and digital spaces will prevent the buildup of clutter over time, and make organising less of a chore!

Consider using the office space to its full potential by creating designated spaces such as meeting rooms and collaborative workspaces.

To ensure the workplace remains functional and efficient, create systems that support productivity, such as assigning specific places for tools and supplies.

Adopt the “One In, One Out” Rule – for every new item bought, remove an old, unused item. This will allow the workplace to maintain the same amount of inventory and prevent the likelihood of clutter forming in the future.

Digital organisation is equally critical in today’s tech-driven workplaces. Unorganised email inboxes, unnamed files and inconsistent folder structures are just as disruptive as physical clutter. For example, keep unread emails to a maximum of 50 and use tools for team communication to maximise workflow efficiency.

A tidy desk with a categorised tray for urgent, pending and completed documents can ensure that everything is within arm’s reach and easy to find. Labelling systems can also streamline the management of office supplies and stock.

Positive effects of efficiency

A clean and orderly environment promotes a sense of control and competence, which are important to maintaining focus and motivation.

Decluttering and reorganising at the start of the year is good motivation for hitting important business goals. Positive outcomes that come from these practices also foster a culture of discipline and responsibility. This then translates into a harmonious environment where both employees and the business can reach their fullest potential.

The post How to declutter your workspace – and keep it clean for good appeared first on Inside Small Business.

While not exhaustive, here’s a list of things to get you started on the right foot this year.

Scheduling

• Calendarise your year

Put important dates into your calendar, including recurring events like meetings and networking events. Don’t forget personal milestones like birthdays and anniversaries and set aside time for working on your business.

• Block out rest time

Block out holidays and breaks, if possible, to reset yourself physically and mentally.

Clients

• Clean up contracts

Review your client contracts to ensure they align with your current services. If updates are needed, buy a new template or contact your lawyer. Send the new versions to your client for them to sign.

• Assess your client journey

Map out each touchpoint you have with your audience – from discovery to offboarding. Identify areas where you can improve the experience and boost client retention.

Financials

• Review last year’s financial performance

Set goals for revenue, profit, and expenses. Create a budget and review your cash flow projections. Consult your accountant if needed.

• Review pricing

Plan your pricing strategy for the year, ensuring it covers all business costs with projected increases and profit.

• Evaluate the performance of your current products and/or services

Consider retiring any unprofitable offerings and brainstorming new ones and incorporate customer feedback if possible.

Tech

• Review your IT needs and update or upgrade any software or systems

Assess and update your software, systems, and equipment. Include any new requirements in your financial plan. Strengthen cybersecurity to protect your data, back up important files, and cancel software subscriptions that are no longer needed.

Processes

• Review your processes for efficiency

Identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement and update if necessary. Invest in automation tools where you can. Determine tasks outside your expertise or capacity and make plans to delegate, outsource, or hire for support.

• Create and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Write SOPs or ‘how tos’ for all areas of your business and update any existing SOPs if your processes have changed. Use tools like Loom or AI to document processes efficiently. Organise this information into systems with flowcharts, scripts, or videos that align with your organisational structure.

• Update your templates

Review and improve any templates you use, such as email responses or client project outlines, to enhance the customer experience.

Tidying tasks

• Set up your office space

De-clutter and clean your office. Reorganise your desktop, desk drawers, and cables. Invest in storage solutions to keep your workspace tidy. Refresh your workspace with items like a standing desk, walking pad or plants to boost energy and focus.

• Tidy your email list

Remove inactive or bounced contacts from your email list. Send a re-engagement sequence to subscribers who haven’t interacted in the past six months.

• Digital cleanup

Update your passwords and use a password manager. Delete old apps and files from your devices. Organise your inbox with folders for the new year.

• Declutter your workspace

Streamline your tools and files. Simplify your filing system and clearly label folders. Apply the 4D principle to emails: Do, Diarise, Delegate or Delete.

Personal wellbeing

• Reflect on your business goals

Review last year’s goals and celebrate your accomplishments, big and small.

• Establish new goals

Set goals and/or intentions (however you like to mentally frame them) for the year ahead. Write a list of what you’d like to achieve to have an impactful and successful year. Break these goals down into smaller tasks that you can tick off each quarter.

• Set boundaries and stick to them

Evaluate your work hours, project timelines, and client communication habits. Identify areas where you’re overextending yourself and establish clear boundaries. Communicate changes to clients or employees, such as expectations around punctuality, cleanliness or respect.

Online presence

• Online directory listings

Audit your directory listings and update details for consistency across platforms. Look for new directories where you can list your business for better visibility.

• Audit your online content

Review your website, blogs, and social media for outdated content. Update details like the copyright year, bios, and profiles. Plan your content calendar and digital ad campaigns for the year.

• SEO

Claim and complete your Google Business Profile. Update keywords on your website, check site speed, and ensure all links are functional. Add internal links to improve navigation and visitor retention.

• Bank your content

Get a head start on the year by creating images, filming reels, and writing captions for the first few months.

This article first appeared in issue 47 of the Inside Small Business quarterly magazine

The post 2025 checklist for business success appeared first on Inside Small Business.

The owner and director of JM Virtual Business Services first noticed she was having hearing issues while conducting business networking events with large audiences. Jo is on the membership committee of Business Networking International, and facilitates weekly members’ meetings.

“There’s at least a hundred people in the room,” she explains. “I couldn’t hear anything.”

When the meetings took place online, every second week, Jo noticed herself learning towards her computer’s speaking and continuously turning the volume up. She also noticed how much she relied on lip-reading when some participants didn’t have their camera turned on.

“On online meetings, I’d always have to put on a transcriber, so I could read what was happening,” she says.

Jo’s hearing loss didn’t just affect her business. She says her ex-partner began to have difficulties getting her attention at home, too. 

“My ex was saying, ‘Did you hear me? Did you hear me?’. And it was like – am I purposely blocking him out and not listening, or did I really not hear him?”

The turning point

Jo originally got her hearing checked after reading some information about the coincidence of menopause and hearing loss.

“When you reach menopausal age, hearing can become challenging,” she explains. “So I thought I better go get my hearing checked.”

After undergoing a hearing test, Jo wasn’t referred to a hearing aid specialist right away. Instead, her audiologist told her to keep an eye on “two points of concern”, she says. But 12 months later, with her symptoms worsening, the entrepreneur decided to seek help. She booked an appointment to explore solutions for her hearing difficulties, which led to a week-long trial of options.

Jo says she noticed the difference immediately – and so did those around her. 

“I remember standing in a crowded room next to one of my colleagues,” Jo says. “We weren’t facing each other, and they said something. And I turned around and said, ‘Yeah’. And they said, ‘that’s the first time you’ve ever done that. You always watch my lips’.”

Impact on business

Jo says the impact on her entrepreneurial activities has been “life changing”.

“I can hear without lip reading. I’m not as exhausted at the end of the day. Everything’s just easier. I didn’t realise how challenged I was.”

Another unexpected effect of addressing her hearing loss was a reinvigorated passion for her business.

“I’ve totally fallen in love with my business again, and it’s simply because I can hear better,” she says.

The business owner describes how her networking activities have flourished with the improvement of her hearing. She’s now advocating for more people to get their hearing checked, especially if they are currently undergoing menopause.

“I think there is a bit of a stigma around, I think just getting older,” she says. “I’m telling everyone I know how good it’s been for me. Even if they don’t think they need a hearing test, do one online with the earbuds in a quiet room. I actually did that to start with.”

The post Addressing her hearing challenges was a turning point for this business owner appeared first on Inside Small Business.

Last month, ISB investigated what small-business owners were doing in the 2024 December holiday period, and whether it was possible for self-employed people to take a break. For many respondents, the holiday period was the busiest – or the sleepiest – period in the calendar. But what about the post-holiday period? We also asked entrepreneurs what they were up to in January; here’s what they had to say.

Prepping for a new year

Many small-business owners said they were using January to plan for the year ahead.

“As a small business owner, I use this time to work “on” the business rather than “in” the business,” said Kate Shanahan, Co-Founder of Brieff.io. “This time is critical to plan and gain clarity for the next year.”

Exactly what planning for the new year entails varied from business to business. A few respondents mentioned catching up on tasks that they had previously been too busy for.

Remi Audette, Founder, Sunday Best Digital Agency: “We use January to do everything we wanted to do during the year but were too busy for. Things like cleaning up our project management system and client folders, rewriting website copy and planning out the marketing for the year.”

Fil Strati, Owner, Tech Seek: “January is not so much about planning but about catching up on any bookkeeping, admin and any housekeeping. This can include assessing current service offerings and also discussing what may need to be changed or implemented moving forward.”

Other business owners said they used January to update their online presences and software.

Avi Efrat, Founder, Fantastic Framing: ”Things calm down during January and that’s the time when we like to hit the ground running and do things including cleaning the stores, implementing new IT software and systems and ensuring that they are rolled out when it isn’t as busy.”

Talitha Cummins, Founder, The Cut Jewellery: “My plan is to finalise fully systemising my business so that we can grow. While my company doesn’t require many employees to operate, there are still a lot of admin tasks that take up a lot of time. Through the data we have compiled over the past year and the many platforms and AI tools that are available these days, I aim to have everything systemised so I can focus on growth.”

Karen Moloney, Founder, Blue Bean Media: “Weeks two-to-four in January are where I get myself set up for the rest of the year with updates to website, socials, systems, processes and plans while my head is clear and day-to-day operations are at a minimum.”

For many, January = business as usual

While some business owners are taking this time to work on the business, for many, January means business as usual. In some cases, this is a peak period. Business owners in the retail and FMCG sectors, for instance, told ISB that orders usually ramp up at this time of year.

Sophie Doyle, Founder, The Fable: “January is a big time for my business. As we specialise in creating our best-selling silk shirts, we always have an influx of orders in January as people look to update their work wardrobes.”

Mick Spencer, Co-Founder, Gravity Drinks Co.: “Being in the “better for you” alcohol space means that December and January is a very busy time for us. We have recently gone on tap in over 100 venues for the first time, and we have had some massive orders placed for the silly season, so ensuring our stock numbers and send-outs are up to date will be a big thing for us in December.”

Communications professionals also told us that January was business as usual for them, with many clients wanting campaigns to kick off with the new year.

Simon Blangiardo, Director, SOD: “January is business as usual, with exciting new website projects launching, campaigns kicking off, and retainers ongoing.”

Nicola Trotman, Director, Greenpoint: “We have also just completed a huge strategy sprint for a number of clients, with all of these campaigns set to go live in January so it will be a busy start to the year.”

One small-business owner – the founder of a tuition business – said that January brings a new sort of work, as opposed to less work.

Max Milstein, Founder, Apex Tuition: “January is our quietest period for actual tutoring. However, it is one of our busiest period in terms of tasks. Our objective is to ensure we bring across as many students and tutors from year to the other and avoid as much churn as possible.”

If you’re one of these business owners who is already struggling to catch a break, ISB also recently spoke to 12 small-business leaders on how they achieve work-life balance while running an enterprise.

The post What are small-business owners doing this January? appeared first on Inside Small Business.

For small businesses, January is often a quieter month, offering a rare opportunity to reflect on the past year and prepare for the next. Whether you’re a service provider, café owner, or run an e-commerce business, improving your customer experience (CX) and upskilling your team can set the tone for a successful 2025.

Here are some ways you can enhance your customer experience and build your team’s expertise in the quieter period.

Use end-of-year insights to tailor experiences

The data you collected over the busy holiday period can offer valuable insights into your customers’ preferences and behaviours. Even without sophisticated analytics tools, reviewing sales records or feedback can help you identify patterns:

• Personalised communication: Follow up with December customers. A thank-you message or personalised promotion can leave a lasting impression.
• Adjust your offerings: Expand popular products or services and consider bundling less popular ones with others to create value.

By tailoring your approach to what your customers want, you can build stronger relationships and encourage repeat business.

Refresh your online presence

Your website or social media page is often the first touchpoint for customers. January is an excellent time to audit and optimise these platforms:

• Update your website: Check for outdated information, broken links, or unclear messaging. Ensure contact details, hours, and key offerings are easy to find.
• Enhance mobile usability: Ensure your site is mobile-friendly with fast loading times and easy navigation.
• Leverage social media: Share posts highlighting your business’s story, upcoming events, or special offers to stay top-of-mind during quieter periods.

Collect and act on customer feedback

Feedback is an invaluable resource for small businesses. Understanding what customers loved – and what could improve – can guide CX enhancements:

• Post-purchase follow-ups: Use quick surveys or messages to ask about customer experiences.
• In-store or on-site feedback: Employ suggestion boxes or short questionnaires.
• Social media reviews: Monitor and respond to reviews and comments to show customers you value their input.

Acting on feedback promptly can yield significant improvements. For instance, if customers highlight slow service, streamline your processes.

Investing in team training: building a confident and capable team

Team expertise and engagement significantly impact customer satisfaction. Use January’s slower pace to provide training that benefits both employees and customers.

Upskilling in digital tools

Technology is an increasingly vital part of running a small business. Ensure your team is comfortable with key tools:

• Point-of-sale systems: Refresher training on efficient use, including handling discounts, returns, and promotions.
• Scheduling or booking tools: Train your team to troubleshoot basic issues and assist customers.
• Social media basics: Provide a workshop on creating posts, responding to comments, and analysing simple metrics.

Building team confidence

Small businesses often rely on employees wearing multiple hats. Training can help them feel more confident in their roles:

• Product knowledge: Ensure your team understands product features and benefits to make informed recommendations.
• Problem-solving: Encourage initiative in solving customer issues, such as alternatives for out-of-stock items.
• Team collaboration: Strengthen teamwork through exercises that improve communication and trust.

Aligning CX enhancements and training for maximum impact

Customer experience and team training go hand in hand. For example:

• If updating your website with personalised options, ensure your team can highlight these features to customers.
• Involve your team in brainstorming solutions when addressing customer feedback. This improves CX and empowers employees.
• Use training sessions to discuss how team efforts directly impact customer satisfaction, creating a sense of ownership and pride.

Next steps for small businesses

To make the most of January’s quieter period:

• Review customer touchpoints: Walk through your customer journey to identify areas for improvement.
• Ask your team: Discuss what training would help them perform better or feel more confident.
• Set measurable goals: Define outcomes for CX improvements and team training, like reducing response times or increasing repeat purchases.
• Start small, think big: Focus on a few impactful changes and build from there.

January is the perfect time for small businesses to reflect, regroup, and prepare for the year ahead. By enhancing customer experience and investing in team training, you can create a stronger foundation for success in 2025. When Valentine’s Day and other seasonal opportunities arrive, your business will be well-positioned to delight customers, strengthen relationships, and achieve your goals for the year.

The post How to enhance customer experience and build team expertise in 2025 appeared first on Inside Small Business.

The latest 2024 Side Hustle Research from Fiverr, for instance, revealed that nearly 70 per cent of employed Australians are now engaging in or contemplating side hustles.

This trend is most pronounced among younger Australians. According to the research, 81 per cent of 16-24-year-olds are diversifying their work through roles ranging from digital content creation to e-commerce. These side hustles are not only a source of additional income, but vehicles for career autonomy and work-life balance.

Almost half (45 per cent) of those over 55 are also engaging in side projects, reflecting a desire to blend work with leisure to stay active and financially secure while also signifying a holistic shift in how work and personal fulfilment have evolved across generations. 

Financial gain is a primary driver for doing side hustles (at 72 per cent), alongside skills development, particularly among young professionals (over 22 per cent), and the desire for flexibility and autonomy (21 per cent).

“Side hustles are no longer solely about earning extra cash; they are pathways to professional and personal advancement,” said Fiverr CEO Micha Kaufman. “While income is still a powerful incentive for workers, it’s promising to see how various generations are also leveraging side projects to gain autonomy and acquire new skills – showcasing a workforce that’s more flexible, adaptive, and fulfilled.”

Side hustles to shape eCommerce in 2025

With the side hustle trend showing no signs of slowing down, CouriersPlease CEO Richard Thame forecasts that side hustles will redefine eCommerce in 2025.

“With Australia’s living cost index rising by 4.7 per cent in the year leading up to September 2024, we are witnessing a significant shift,” commented Thame. “I believe 2025 will mark an unprecedented surge in Australians embracing the side hustle economy.”

Thame has pointed to the surge in Australians leveraging platforms like Etsy, eBay, and Shopify, platforms that have enabled entrepreneurs to launch their businesses with minimal startup costs. He also noted that the integration of TikTok Shop into Shopify has taken social commerce to new heights, enabling in-app shopping experiences that were previously unimaginable.

Thame said, “We’ve observed a significant uptick in side-hustle entrepreneurs and small businesses utilising our delivery services. This trend underscores the growing need for flexible and scalable logistics solutions that cater to the evolving demands of small-scale eCommerce operators.”

Employer sentiment towards side-hustling employees

As far as employer sentiment on side hustles is concerned, the Fiverr report noted that 79 per cent of business leaders showed support for side hustles, recognising benefits like innovation and higher employee satisfaction.

Despite the general endorsement, employee transparency remains a challenge: 44 per cent of those who have/are planning to start a side hustle choose not to disclose their side activities, 23 per cent downplay their involvement, and just 33 per cent are fully open about their side gigs.

There is also the matter of side hustling employees’ engagement at primary jobs. While 39 per cent of leaders believe side projects boost workplace engagement, 45 per cent see no effect, and 15 per cent fear potential distractions. 

Despite such concerns, 66 per cent of leaders recognise that allowing employees to pursue personal projects can deepen their commitment to their main jobs. Millennials and Gen Z are especially supportive, with 70 per cent and 80 per cent respectively agreeing that side hustles promote loyalty, while Baby Boomers are more sceptical at 45 per cent.

On another note, 69 per cent of business leaders are open to collaborating with employees on side projects that align with organisational goals. With 64 per cent of employees affirming that side hustles have helped them gain valuable job skills, Fiverr says that this integration could be a win-win for companies and workers alike.

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