24/08/2026
๐จ Your employeeโs side hustle is not the problem.
The conflict of interest is.**
A blanket ban on side businesses is usually not the best approach.
A stronger employer position is to have a clear Conflict of Interest, Outside Business Interests and Secondary Employment Policy that requires employees to:
๐น Disclose side hustles, directorships, outside business interests
๐น Obtain written approval where a conflict may arise
๐น Avoid competing with the employer
๐น Never divert clients or business opportunities
๐น Protect confidential information
๐น Keep side businesses off company time and resources
โ ๏ธ Dishonest non-disclosure of a serious conflict can itself become misconduct.
**The key principle:**
Employees may have side hustles โ but not at the expense of their duty of good faith to their employer.
๐ฉ Need help reviewing your contracts or introducing a proper conflict-of-interest and secondary employment policy? Get in touch.