HOW TO DO THE HUSTLE

One in four Brits now have a side hustle – a business they run alongside their fulltime job – and that’s expected to rise to half of all workers by 2030.

Research from Henley Business School shows more than half of bosses have mixed feelings about workers doing this and similar numbers have no formal policy regarding it.

So, how should you approach your boss if you’re thinking of starting up a business? Danielle Harmer, chief people officer at Metro Bank shares her tips...

Talk to your boss as early as possible. If it’s a new job, then raise it during the application process. Do you suspect deep down it may conflict with your ‘day’ job? If so, check you are proposing something reasonable for them – and you.

Outline what you want to do, or are doing, how you will make it work and the benefits it brings – for you and them.

Most employers will worry about issues such as whether it will be a conflict of interest, demand too much of your time, damage their brand or affect your performance at work.

You will need to ensure you are totally focused on your employer and your job during official working hours. Don’t use your employer’s resources for your side hustle.

Don’t use connections and influence that are a privilege of your job to promote your own business.

Think of ways your side hustle might benefit you and your boss – if you’re learning to be a yoga teacher you could offer reduced cost classes for co-workers.