Double-Dipping in Health IT: The Risks and Realities of Overemployment

What is Overemployment? 

Overemployment occurs when individuals take on multiple jobs simultaneously, often without letting their employers know. They do this to maximize their income or job security. 

Though it’s hard to pinpoint the exact number of overemployed individuals, this trend is on the rise. An article noted that the "Overemployed" section of Reddit, which was launched during the pandemic, gained 110,000 members in its first year. As of today, this group has grown to 323,000 members, showing a significant increase in interest and participation. 

The Rise of Overemployment in Health IT  

The health IT sector is witnessing a significant rise in overemployment, driven by a few key factors.  

The demand for skilled workers in this field is soaring, as healthcare organizations increasingly rely on advanced technology to manage patient care, records, and administrative tasks. This high demand has created a competitive job market where skilled professionals are in short supply. 

Additionally, the expansion of remote work opportunities has revolutionized the job landscape. Many health IT professionals now have the flexibility to work from anywhere, allowing them to take on multiple roles at the same time. This trend is particularly appealing in a climate of economic uncertainty, where individuals seek to maximize their income and job security by diversifying their employment. 

As a result, overemployment is becoming more common in health IT. 

Problems and Risks 

Overemployment poses several significant risks. One major concern is the quality of work; juggling multiple jobs can lead to decreased focus and efficiency, resulting in subpar performance and potential errors in critical healthcare systems.  

Additionally, the intense workload can quickly lead to burnout, affecting both mental and physical health, and diminishing long-term productivity. 

Another risk involves conflicts of interest, as professionals working for multiple organizations may encounter situations where their responsibilities or loyalties clash. This can compromise the integrity of their work and the trust placed in them by employers. 

On top of that, legal issues can arise, particularly if employment contracts include non-compete clauses or if confidential information is inadvertently shared between employers. 

How Employers Can Address Overemployment 

Employers can take several proactive steps to address the challenges of overemployment in the health IT sector.  

Implementing robust contracts is crucial. Clear terms regarding non-compete clauses, confidentiality, and workload expectations can help manage and prevent legal and ethical complications. 

Effective team management is essential for mitigating the risks associated with overemployment. Regular check-ins and open communication channels enable employees to express their concerns and help employers gain a clear understanding of their responsibilities and current projects. 

Offering flexible or part-time positions is another effective strategy. This flexibility can reduce the strain of overemployment while still allowing talent the benefits of multiple work opportunities. 

By taking these measures, employers can create a more sustainable and supportive work environment, ultimately benefiting both their organizations and their employees. 

What Abra is doing 

While it is impossible to guarantee that overemployment will never occur, at Abra we have implemented safeguards to minimize the risk. 

Abra encourages complete transparency. On the Abra platform, talent can list if they are interested in contract work or full time, their available hours and current job commitments. 

We also have a contract stipulating that if someone accepts a position through Abra, it becomes their priority role, and they must have capacity and availability to fulfill it. 

Overemployment is on the rise and should be a top concern for employers. Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate the associated risks.  

To learn more about Abra, check out our website and reach out to us with any questions you have.