WHAT IS 15% TIME IN BUSINESS – AND CAN IT REALLY WORK FOR YOU?

Companies are constantly seeking ways to promote creativity and innovation among their employees. An approach that has gained popularity in recent years is the concept of 15% time, a variation of the more well-known 20% time policy pioneered by tech giants like Google.

Think of it as a policy where employees are encouraged to spend approximately 15% of their work hours – typically one day every two weeks or six hours per week – on projects of their own choosing, outside their regular job responsibilities. The initiative aims to spark innovation, boost employee engagement, and potentially uncover new ideas that could benefit the company.

The core philosophy behind 15% time is that given the freedom to explore their interests and passions, employees can develop innovative solutions to existing problems or create entirely new products and services. The approach recognizes that breakthrough ideas often come from unexpected places and that employees closest to day-to-day operations may have unique insights into potential improvements or opportunities.

Implementing 15% time can have several benefits for organizations. First, it can significantly boost employee morale and job satisfaction. By giving workers the autonomy to pursue projects they’re passionate about, companies demonstrate trust in their employees’ abilities and judgment. It can prompt increased motivation, productivity, and loyalty.

Also 15% time can serve as a powerful tool for talent retention and attraction. In today’s competitive job market, offering employees the opportunity to work on passion projects can be a compelling differentiator for companies looking to recruit and retain top talent.

On top of it policy can foster a culture of innovation throughout the organization. As employees from different departments work on diverse projects, cross-pollination of ideas occurs naturally. The interdisciplinary approach can lead to unexpected synergies and breakthrough innovations that might not have emerged through traditional siloed structures.

But companies need to strike a balance between giving employees freedom to explore and ensuring that core business objectives are still met. There’s also the risk that some employees may struggle to manage their time effectively or that projects may not align with company goals.

To address these concerns, many organizations implement guidelines for 15% time projects. These might include regular check-ins, presentations of progress, or criteria for project selection that ensure alignment with company objectives while still allowing for creativity and exploration.

For better or worse, the idea of 15% time represents a bold approach to fostering innovation within corporate environments. Empowering employees to pursue their passions and ideas, companies can tap into a wellspring of creativity that may lead to groundbreaking innovations, improved processes, or new revenue streams. While it requires careful implementation and management, the potential rewards of 15% time make it an intriguing option for forward-thinking businesses looking to stay ahead in today’s rapidly evolving marketplace.