Hi Reader,

"I think my Gen Z employee is quiet quitting. She's always talking about her 'side projects' and seems distracted."

This came from a concerned manager during a recent workshop. So I asked him: "Have you asked her about these projects?"

His response: "I don't want to pry into her personal life."

Here's the problem with that thinking...

The Side Hustle Misconception

Most managers hear "side hustle" and think:

• Disloyalty
• Divided attention
• Lack of commitment
• Planning to quit

But here's what's actually happening: 73% of Gen Z employees have side projects, and research from Henley Business School shows that employees with side hustles are actually MORE engaged at work, not less.

Why Gen Z Side Hustles Are Different

Previous generations had side hustles out of financial necessity. Gen Z has them for:

✅ Skill development - They're learning competencies they can't get at work

✅ Creative expression - They need outlets for innovation

✅ Career insurance - They're building diverse skill sets

✅ Purpose alignment - They're exploring what truly motivates them

The Manager's Opportunity

Instead of seeing side hustles as a threat, smart managers see them as intelligence gathering.

That Gen Z employee running an Instagram account for local businesses? She's learning social media marketing, customer service, and project management.

The one who freelances web design on weekends? He's staying current with tech trends and developing client relationship skills.

These aren't distractions – they're professional development programs you don't have to pay for.

The Conversation That Changes Everything

Try this approach:

"I know you've got some interesting projects outside of work. I'd love to hear about what you're learning and how we might be able to incorporate some of those skills here."

Watch their face light up.

Real-World Example

One of my clients discovered her Gen Z employee was running a successful TikTok account about productivity tips. Instead of worrying about divided loyalty, she asked: "What have you learned about content creation that could help our marketing efforts?"

Result: They launched a company TikTok account that generated 30% more qualified leads in three months.

The Framework That Works

Here's how to leverage Gen Z side hustles for mutual benefit:

1. Show interest - Ask about their projects with genuine curiosity
2. Identify crossover skills - Find connections to their day job
3. Create application opportunities - Let them use new skills at work
4. Recognize the learning - Acknowledge how side projects make them better employees

The Trust Factor

When you support Gen Z employees' side projects instead of fearing them, something magical happens: loyalty increases.

They realize you care about their holistic growth, not just their productivity during work hours. This creates the kind of engagement that previous generations demonstrated through decades of service – but Gen Z shows through intensity and innovation.

Your Weekly Challenge

Pick one Gen Z team member who you know has outside projects. Ask them about it. Really listen. Then find one way their side hustle skills could benefit your team.

The Plot Twist

Companies that embrace employee side hustles report 31% less turnover and 41% higher innovation scores. The thing you're afraid of might be your competitive advantage.

Coming Next Week

September kicks off with the workplace trend that's quietly revolutionizing Gen Z career paths – and why traditional advancement models are becoming obsolete.

Keep adapting,

Dr. Colleen

P.S. The response to this newsletter series has been incredible. I'm working on something comprehensive for managers who want to master these concepts systematically. Details coming very soon...