8 Reasons Why Employers Should Support Employees With Side Gigs

Encouraging and supporting employees who have side gigs can benefit employees and employers. Here are eight (8) reasons why employers should consider allowing and supporting their employees who have side gigs:

1. Enhanced employee satisfaction and loyalty:

Allowing side gigs demonstrates the employer values their employees’ interests and personal development. This can increase job satisfaction and loyalty, as employees feel more supported and motivated.

2. Increased creativity and innovation:

Side gigs often involve exploring different fields or pursuing personal projects. This can increase creativity and innovative thinking, which employees can bring back to their primary job, benefiting the employer.

3. Skill development and knowledge sharing:

Side gigs may involve acquiring new skills and knowledge to benefit the employee’s growth. These new skills can also be transferred back to the primary job, making the employee more versatile and valuable to the organization.

4. Flexibility and work-life balance:

Allowing side gigs can give employees greater flexibility to manage their personal and professional lives. This can reduce stress and a healthier work-life balance, improving overall well-being and productivity.

5. Entrepreneurial spirit and problem-solving abilities:

Side gigs often involve entrepreneurial activities, and employees may develop a more entrepreneurial mindset. This can improve their problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to work challenges.

6. Access to a diverse talent pool:

Employees engaged in side gigs may have exposure to different industries or networks, bringing diverse perspectives and experiences back to the workplace. This can enrich the company’s talent pool and foster a culture of continuous learning.

7. Retention and attraction of talent:

Offering the flexibility to pursue side gigs can be an attractive perk for potential hires. It can also help retain talented employees who might otherwise consider leaving to explore other opportunities that offer such flexibility.

8. Positive employer branding:

Companies that support side gigs are often perceived as progressive and employee-friendly. This positive employer branding can help attract top talent and boost the company’s reputation in the industry.

Employers should establish clear guidelines and policies regarding side gigs to avoid potential conflicts of interest, ensure that the primary job responsibilities are not compromised, and maintain confidentiality and intellectual property rights. A well-defined policy can ensure a win-win situation for employees and employers.

To learn more about employees with side gigs (DUALpreneurs), read The DUALpreneur® Bible: 10 Commandments to Starting a Successful Side Business and follow DUALpreneur®