Should Employees Be Allowed “Side Hustles”?
"Side hustle" is an increasingly common phrase in today's working world. Defined as a secondary job or freelance work that provides supplementary income, a side hustle is a way for individuals to make extra money outside of their regular employment. But should Malaysian companies support their employees' pursuit of such ventures? Let's look at the reasons why it might make sense.
Most employment contracts include clauses prohibiting "moonlighting", that is, holding secondary jobs that conflict with or detract from primary employment. In the Malaysian context, companies have traditionally been sceptical of their employees pursuing other income-generating activities. They worry about the impact on productivity, conflicts of interest, and potential misuse of company resources.
However, if the side hustle does not directly compete with the company's business, should employers still resist it? An employee might engage in something as diverse as a dropshipping business, an art commission gig, a food blog or a tutoring job after office hours. It's important to understand that a side hustle is not just about financial gains. It offers numerous other benefits for both employees and employers.
Enhances Financial Security: Regardless of their income level, employees might be concerned about economic downturns or sudden job loss. Having a side hustle can offer a safety net, providing a sense of financial security and reducing stress related to money. As research suggests, better financial health can lead to improved overall well-being, which can enhance work performance.
Provides Opportunities for Skill Development: Side hustles can be fertile ground for skill acquisition and development. Whether it's a podcast about interior design or crafting custom-made furniture, it requires a range of skills from strategic planning to marketing and customer service. These experiences can result in transferable skills that benefit their primary employment, making them more valuable to their primary employer.
Offers Fulfilment and Purpose: It's not uncommon for employees to find that their 9 to 5 jobs don't fully satisfy their personal aspirations. Side hustles, particularly those based on personal passions, can provide a sense of fulfilment and purpose. Even if an employee is more passionate about their side hustle, it doesn't necessarily mean they're going to quit their day job. Instead, the energy and satisfaction derived from the side hustle can spill over to their primary work, leading to increased positivity and productivity.
While these are compelling reasons to support side hustles, companies also need to set reasonable limits. It's crucial to ensure that the side hustle does not interfere with the employee's primary job responsibilities or lead to conflicts of interest. Open communication is key here. Employers should encourage their employees to be transparent about their side hustles, ensuring they understand the company's expectations and boundaries.
In conclusion, rather than stifling side hustles, Malaysian companies could leverage them to foster a more resilient, skilled, and satisfied workforce. As we navigate the evolving work landscape, it's crucial to rethink traditional employment norms to better align with today's realities.