An Ode To Side Project Time

The Curious Case of the Vanishing Side Project

Remember the good old days? Picture this: Friday afternoons, the office buzzing with the quiet hum of focused energy. Not on deadlines, not on client calls, but on…passion projects. Side projects. The kind where you could tinker, experiment, and generally geek out without the pressure of deliverables. Then, poof! Somewhere along the line, the magic disappeared. The designated ‘side project time’ morphed into ‘catch-up on emails’ time, or worse, ‘mandatory meetings’ time. What happened, and more importantly, why should we care?

Frederick O’Brien, a name I recently stumbled upon (and whose wisdom I'm gleaning from), believes side project time deserves a roaring comeback. And honestly, I couldn't agree more. Let's delve into why this seemingly small perk is actually a powerhouse for innovation, employee engagement, and yes, even the bottom line.

The Case for Side Project Time: A Deep Dive

So, why champion this cause? It's not just about free time; it's about unlocking hidden potential and fostering a culture of growth. Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits:

1. Innovation Unleashed: The Birthplace of Breakthroughs

Think of side project time as a laboratory for ideas. When employees are given the freedom to explore their own interests, they often stumble upon solutions and concepts that wouldn't emerge within the confines of their day-to-day tasks. It's where the 'what ifs' turn into 'why nots'.

Example: Google's Gmail. Born from a side project by Paul Buchheit. Imagine a world without the convenience of Gmail! This one example alone showcases the immense value of allowing employees to experiment and innovate outside of their core responsibilities.

2. Skills Sharpening: The Continuous Learning Advantage

Side projects are a fantastic opportunity for employees to learn new skills, experiment with different technologies, and stay ahead of the curve. They can explore areas that they may not encounter in their regular work, leading to a more well-rounded and adaptable workforce.

Case Study: Consider a software engineer who uses side project time to learn a new coding language or framework. This newly acquired skill set can then be applied to existing projects, improving efficiency and potentially leading to more innovative solutions.

3. Employee Engagement & Morale: The Happy-Worker Effect

Let's be honest, who doesn't enjoy a little creative freedom? Side project time gives employees a sense of ownership and autonomy. It shows that their employers value their ideas and their desire to learn. This, in turn, boosts morale, reduces burnout, and increases overall job satisfaction.

Anecdote: I recall working at a small startup that implemented a "hackathon Friday" once a month. The energy in the office was palpable. People were genuinely excited to collaborate, learn from each other, and bring their own ideas to life. The resulting projects, while not always directly related to the company's core business, fostered a strong sense of community and innovation.

4. Talent Retention: The Magnet Effect

In today's competitive job market, companies need to offer more than just a paycheck. Benefits like side project time can be a significant differentiator, attracting top talent and encouraging them to stay. It signals to employees that the company is invested in their professional development and values their creative input.

Consider this: Two job offers, identical salaries, but one offers dedicated side project time. Which one do you choose? The answer is clear. The second one demonstrates a commitment to fostering innovation and employee growth.

5. Identifying Future Leaders: The Leadership Incubator

Side projects can act as an informal leadership development program. Employees taking initiative on their own projects, managing their time, and collaborating with others often demonstrate leadership qualities that might not be apparent in their regular roles. This allows companies to identify and nurture future leaders.

Example: An employee leading a side project, even a small one, is practicing crucial skills like project management, communication, and problem-solving. These are all essential qualities for any leadership role.

How to Reintroduce Side Project Time (and Make It Work!)

So, you're convinced. You want to bring back the magic. Here's how to implement side project time effectively:

Establish Clear Guidelines: Set expectations. Define what qualifies as a side project. Is it anything, or are there parameters? Be clear about intellectual property ownership and how projects can be showcased.
Allocate Dedicated Time: Whether it's a few hours a week, a half-day every other week, or a dedicated block of time, carve out space for side projects. Consistency is key.
Encourage Collaboration: Foster a culture where employees can share their projects, brainstorm ideas, and collaborate with each other.
Provide Resources (When Possible): While side projects are often self-directed, consider providing access to necessary tools, software, or even a small budget for materials.
Celebrate Successes: Showcase the results of side projects. Share them with the team, the company, and even externally. This validates the effort and inspires others.
Lead by Example: If possible, encourage leadership to participate in side projects. This demonstrates the company's commitment and enthusiasm.

The Takeaway: Embrace the Power of Play

Side project time isn't just a perk; it's an investment. It's an investment in innovation, employee engagement, and the future of your company. By embracing this concept, you can unlock hidden potential, foster a culture of learning, and create a workplace where employees are not just productive, but also passionate and fulfilled.

So, let's bring back the freedom to tinker, to experiment, and to create. Let's bring back side project time!

This post was published as part of my automated content series.