A recent report by Gartner, Inc. predicts that by 2028, around 10% of sales professionals will use the time saved through artificial intelligence (AI) to engage in "overemployment, " meaning they will covertly hold multiple jobs simultaneously. This trend is expected to gain momentum due to AI's efficiency in sales roles. The introduction and adoption of AI tools in the sales sector are transforming how salespeople handle their workloads. By automating routine and repetitive tasks, AI frees up significant time, allowing sales professionals to pursue additional employment beyond their primary roles. This trend was identified through a Gartner survey conducted in September 2024, which included 3, 496 employees worldwide. The survey revealed that 41% of sales professionals somewhat agree that emerging technologies have increased their productivity by alleviating time-consuming manual tasks. The implications are multifaceted. On one side, AI adoption in sales improves operational efficiency, enabling teams to concentrate on strategic, high-value activities such as building client relationships, tailoring sales strategies, and exploring new market opportunities. This benefits businesses through potential revenue growth and empowers salespeople with greater flexibility and autonomy over their schedules. Conversely, the rise in overemployment raises concerns about workplace dynamics, employee well-being, and company policies. Organizations may need to reevaluate employment contracts, workload expectations, and ethical standards to address challenges stemming from employees managing multiple roles.

Additionally, maintaining quality in both primary and secondary jobs could become problematic if extra workloads are poorly managed. Workforce management and HR experts are closely monitoring this trend, recommending that employers engage proactively with sales teams to understand AI’s impact on their tasks and consider offering flexible hours or part-time roles within the company to channel overemployment positively. From a broader economic standpoint, enhanced efficiency via AI in sales might alter labor market dynamics. As individuals effectively juggle multiple jobs, income distribution, job satisfaction, and career development paths could shift. This may also affect demand for gig economy and freelance roles across industries. It is important to emphasize that despite AI’s increasing role in automating sales tasks, human sales professionals still need interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking. AI is a tool that augments rather than replaces human effort. As technology progresses, balancing automation with the human element will remain vital for successful sales operations. In conclusion, Gartner’s findings highlight a major transformation in the sales profession driven by AI innovations. By 2028, overemployment among salespeople may become widespread, fueled by the additional time and capacity AI provides. Businesses, employees, and policymakers must collaborate to manage this shift, maximizing benefits and addressing challenges related to multiple job holdings. The integration of AI in sales is not only a technological leap but also a catalyst for redefining work paradigms in today’s economy.