A growing majority of young UK workers are now looking to second jobs to keep up with rising living costs, with 57% of Gen Z and 71% of Millennials actively considering side hustles, new data from employee benefits provider Boostworks has revealed.
The study — which surveyed 5,609 working adults, including 1,200 Gen Z respondents aged 18–28 — found that financial pressure is now the top motivator for taking on additional work. Among Millennials, 71% cited the need to make ends meet, with comparable figures for Gen X (69%), Baby Boomers (59%), and Gen Z (57%).
Significantly, almost one in five Gen Z workers (19%) and 11% of Millennials are already holding down second jobs. Many more are debating the trade-offs between extra income and their own wellbeing, as the research points to a broader workforce under strain. Nearly half of Millennials (49%) and 44% of Gen Z respondents said that financial stress was affecting their ability to concentrate at work.
Jo Werker, CEO at Boostworks, said: “The vast majority of young workers are taking on second jobs because they simply can’t make ends meet. It’s draining — mentally, physically and financially. When people are stretched this thin, it’s hard to stay focused or engaged. Employers may want to consider whether their current packages are keeping pace with what employees are really facing day to day.”
Werker added: “The findings highlight a workforce under real pressure and suggest a potential gap between existing support and the realities of rising living costs. Proactively addressing this could help businesses safeguard long-term engagement, wellbeing and retention.”
Employers urged to reflect on pay and benefits
The report calls on employers to look beyond the assumption that side hustles signal ambition or creativity, noting that deeper financial strain is now a primary driver. While every generation places value on performance-based bonuses, the research shows that practical, non-salary financial benefits are in strong demand — particularly among younger cohorts.
Within Gen Z, 74% want access to financial education and planning tools, demonstrating a clear appetite for employer-led support. For Millennials and Gen X, shopping discounts and cashback remain popular, while Baby Boomers continue to value traditional bonuses.
“The research suggests that if more employees are turning to second incomes, existing pay and benefits may not fully meet their needs,” Werker said. “This is a chance for employers to evolve their strategies to better support people in their primary roles, helping them stay focused, motivated and well.”
Varied needs, but mounting pressure
The findings reinforce the need for personalised benefits strategies. What feels like a marginal perk to one employee may represent a financial lifeline to another. While side hustles can offer fulfilment, Werker emphasised that many young workers are turning to them out of necessity — a pattern she described as unsustainable over the long term.
“We recognise that side hustles can offer fulfilment and entrepreneurial opportunity, particularly for Gen Z, but it’s important to understand why so many are turning to them out of financial necessity,” Werker concluded. “By opening up conversations around fairness, support and wellbeing, employers have a real opportunity to strengthen loyalty and help their teams stay focused, energised and engaged.”
The research was conducted by Boostworks across 5,609 adults employed full or part time in the UK, with the Generation Z subset comprising 1,200 people aged 18–28.
