In the past, it used to be a matter of course that when an employee signed an employment contract, he also "signed" a commitment to devote all his working hours and his energy to his employer. Nowadays, a trend is emerging more and more that employers accept their employees' side projects or even support it themselves. For good reason. The only thing is that you have to be able to keep an eye out that your employer's benevolence has benefits for both parties... The Open Forum website tells us how...
Why support them?
Employees are well aware that their minor financial resources cannot be kept 100% secret if it has to be also promoted and supported online due to the need to find customers. To avoid this, promote transparency in the workplace and discuss everything reasonably, if possible. It isn't your interest to have people doing something behind your back and lying to you.
Another factor is the chance for the employee to build their own personal brand, which will extend beyond the boundaries of their employer's company. Many of your people following this trend will have their own followings beyond your company. If they are satisfied with their work, they will share it with you too.
The last fact is that an enterprising employee has initiative and if he has initiative on the outside, then he will probably equally determined in his work (unless his side project is only an escape from his current work). If your employee learns new skills in his free time, it will be even more promising for your business. Will you support him in furthering his education?
What will you gain?
There are many reasons not to support employees in their activities on the side, however there appear to be more and more arguments why to do so. Set clear rules to guarantee a positive contribution to your business.
Supporting the interests of employees should not be in conflict with the company. If you conduct business in human resources and training, do not be afraid to encourage your employees to e.g., write articles and reports about similarly oriented conferences and training. He will gain new experience and knowledge that will help him and you to develop.
Encourage openness and express interest in the activities of your employee. He will appreciate your support and you will prevent possible concealment and fraud. Everything can be solved reasonably through discussion.
Respect their personal and professional lives. If you expect your employee to be online 24/7, then his personal life will come to work more often. However, if you respect and leave him alone in his own time to devote himself to his own activities and projects, he will respect the working hours he spends in your business too.
Do you support your employees' activities on the side? How they are beneficial for your business?
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