If Employees Become Content Creators on the Side. Employees who have side jobs are common. What’s more in today’s era of technological advances, side jobs are easier to do. Time and place are no longer an obstacle.
One type of job that is on the rise is content creator. Many employees are pursuing it as a side job. However, what is the impact on the company? How should companies respond? Is this something wrong in the eyes of the company?
If Employees Become Content Creators on the Side
There are a number of reasons employees have content creators as a side job. The most common reason is to earn extra income as the cost of living increases. No wonder they create content on YouTube or TikTok.
Another reason is to develop skills and explore interests outside of the main job. In this case, becoming a content creator. There are also employees who use side jobs as a financial safety net in case they are laid off or resign from the company. For some employees, their satisfaction is fulfilled when they do a job that matches their passion or hobby. For them, this satisfaction can only be fulfilled by a side job, not a main job. For those who enjoy making videos, writing, or speaking in front of audiences, becoming a content creator is a rational choice. There is satisfaction in itself. Especially if the content they create goes viral.
Should it be banned?
Many companies don’t like their employees to have side jobs. The reason? Employees become unfocused on their work. Work becomes neglected. Including if they become content creators that have nothing to do with the company.
However, allowing employees to have side jobs is not always bad. Companies can integrate the additional skills that employees gain from side jobs into the main job.
Side jobs also enrich their horizons, making them more creative. This creativity can be utilized by the company. When it comes to content creation, creativity is number one. One company that utilizes its employees’ content creation is Adobe. The software manufacturer, founded in 1962, encourages employees to use its products when they become content creators. The goal is to give employees more creative freedom, in addition to strengthening their image Adobe.
The same goes for networking. Networks built through side jobs may come in handy for the company at some point. For example, in the form of a new project. Moreover, a content creator usually has a wide network, including among entrepreneurs, managers, and professionals.
Today is the era of social media. A successful content creator must understand the intricacies of social media. This understanding is certainly very beneficial for the company.
But for employees, there are guidelines that must be followed when moonlighting as a content creator. First, do not create content that contradicts the company’s values and policies even if the content is intended for the public. Remember that you are still part of the company. Consequently, you still have to abide by the company’s rules, policies, and values. Second, don’t get burnt out by being too busy creating content. Remember that you still have a main job. Fatigue will reduce the quality of your work. Third, try not to use company-owned facilities, such as company-owned devices or internet. Also, do not create content during company working hours.
Companies should strive for employees to comply with the above signs. For example, employees should not create content that contradicts the company’s values and policies. In the content, companies should also not mention sensitive information related to the company, including creating inappropriate content. Also, it is necessary to regulate the use of office facilities outside of working hours. Emphasize that work must come first. Give reprimands, warnings, and/or sanctions if these signs are violated.
Digital ethics must be upheld, anytime and anywhere. This includes keeping personal and company reputations intact. If necessary, companies can facilitate training for those who enjoy being content creators.
There was once a Google employee who made videos about technology on YouTube, specifically about coding and software applications. Google was concerned that this video content could be exploited by competitors. Google was also concerned that the employee was so engrossed in creating content that he was unable to meet the tight deadlines for work completion.
Faced with this problem, Google was flexible. The employee can still create content, but with strict guidelines so that sensitive information is not shared. The employee must also make a statement that the video he made does not represent Google, the company where he works.
There was also a case of a hospital nurse who created content about the health industry. Her humoristic style and down-to-earth, easy-to-digest content made her popular. However, there is content that inadvertently reveals patient confidentiality. This can certainly damage the reputation of the hospital where he works. Not only that, her fellow nurses thought the video portrayed the nursing profession in an unprofessional manner. After conducting an investigation, the hospital management asked the nurse to delete the problematic content. The nurse was lucky that the hospital still allowed her to create content, but under very strict conditions.
If Employees Become Content Creators on the Side
Category: Human Capital & Talent Management
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