MIT Sloan Management Review Article on Managing an Employee Who Has a Side Hustle

An employee’s entrepreneurial hobby or second job can complement — or compete with — their day job. Here’s how to make it work for both sides.

The rise of the gig economy and remote work has blurred the boundaries between primary jobs and side hustles. As employees seek to diversify their incomes or explore passions outside of their 9-to-5 jobs, side hustles are becoming a standard part of many professionals’ lives. While side hustles can offer creative outlets and a sense of autonomy, they can also create challenges for managers, including concerns over divided attention and potential conflicts of interest. However, with the right approach, managers can turn this dynamic into a win-win situation, ensuring that both the employee’s primary role and their side pursuits can coexist productively. The following suggestions can help.

About the Author

Benjamin Laker (@drbenlaker) is a professor of leadership at the University of Reading’s Henley Business School.

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