What to Do When You Know a Coworker is Working Another Job During Work Hours

Discover how to handle a situation where a coworker is working an additional job during their workday in this in-depth article. Learn whether you should take action, the potential consequences, and how the gig economy impacts such behavior.

Understanding the Situational Dynamics

First and foremost, it's important to recognize that the decision to proceed or not to proceed in confronting a coworker depends largely on the environment and the manager's awareness.

If You Have Engaged Management: In an organization with attentive and proactive management, any irregularities are likely to be noticed or known. In such cases, it's best to trust that your employer already has the right pulse on employee activities, and there's no need for you to take action. If the manager doesn't notice, they might soon, and it's not your role to remedy that situation.

If You Lack Engaged Management: Without a supervisor closely monitoring employee activities, it's possible that the situation remains unnoticed. However, the absence of such oversight in the workplace reveals much more significant underlying issues. It suggests broader dysfunctions within the company that may extend beyond one employee’s actions. In such situations, it might be wise to consider whether this is a place you want to stay in the long term.

Implications and Actions to Take

It's crucial to approach the situation with a broader perspective. Instead of feeling jealous, learning from and emulating the behavior of a coworker who is succeeding in the gig economy can be a more constructive response. The gig economy is a reality, and it requires employees to adapt and be entrepreneurial to succeed.

Accept the Reality of the Gig Economy: Normal and efficient individuals navigate the gig economy by running side businesses that align with their primary jobs. This behavior is indicative of adaptability and resourcefulness—qualities that can benefit not only the individual but also the organization if harnessed correctly.

Instead of feeling envious, take inspiration from such individuals. Learn from their strategies, their work ethic, and their efficiency. Embrace the entrepreneurial spirit that the gig economy demands from all of us.

Real-Life Examples and Lessons

Have you ever encountered a coworker who was simultaneously running their own business? It's not an uncommon scenario, especially in an environment where multiple opportunities are available.

In my own experience, I have worked with at least a dozen individuals who were conducting business operations from their workplace during normal hours. These individuals, often in the real estate or rental property management sectors, ran their businesses with relative ease given their established schedules. Even someone, described as a "loan shark to recent immigrants," was operating his service out of the office—a clearly visible piece to those who took the time to notice.

One notable instance involved an employee who reported to a supervisor about a coworker working a second job. The supervisor’s attitude was not positive, and he took it upon himself to increase the complainer's workload. Eventually, this employee found another position within the company. A few years later, the entire team, including the supervisor, faced termination due to payroll fraud. This underscores the importance of being mindful of the ethical implications of workplace behavior.

Union Protections and Non-Interference

When you are in a union environment, there are designated rules about multitasking. If your workplace has such protections, respect them and leave other concerns to those who are responsible. Maintain your focus on your primary work and let workplace regulations guide you.

If a coworker is being dishonest, bringing it up to the supervisor is the best course of action. If the work is not being completed, address the concern to ensure the team's productivity. Keeping a close ear and watching for any signs that work isn't being done as expected can help maintain the integrity of the workplace.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it's not always easy to know what to do when you spot a coworker working another job during their regular workday. However, approaching the situation with an open mind and a focus on ethical behavior can help you navigate the complexities of the modern workplace.

Are you in a union, or do you have a supervisor who is monitoring employee activities? Maintaining professionalism, respecting workplace rules, and focusing on your own work can help you navigate these situations effectively.

Embrace the gig economy's principles, and learn from your fellow employees. Whether it's real estate, rental property management, or another form of gig work, the key is to stay alert, adaptable, and focused on your own responsibilities while leaving the management of such activities to the professionals.