Diversification

A very well-reckoned term in the corporate world, isn’t it? When a company expands its
wings in different areas of interest, it is seen as a successful, growing conglomerate. If
listed, its share prices begin to rise and the business community in general starts viewing it
in a different light.

But what when it comes to an individual? Do individuals also have the freedom to diversify?
Do companies even allow if not encourage their employees to pursue other interests? Why
(not) or should they?

Well in this extremely competitive world, surviving on just one technical know-how is
getting more and more risky. Especially in times like the present scenario or the recent past
(ever since the recession hit us) having expertise in alternate domains (completely
unrelated to the core area of operation) could prove to be a little handy in times of crisis.
But again, just knowledge with no practical experience in the same would be as good as
nothing. Which means, you not only need to acquire the skills but also apply them on and
off to maintain or enhance the level of expertise gained.

Which means if a person in individual capacity while being employed with a particular
organization wants to associate with projects / assignments in a different domain during
his / her spare time should that be permitted? Yes, it does mean utilizing spare time to
make some extra bucks also. But should that really matter as long as the organization’s
work is not affected adversely?

It’s not that people don’t indulge in such activities or companies are unaware of these
practices. But it’s all done under cover. This only leads to suspicious work environment,
added stress and dissatisfaction on the whole. Yet, there is no way to curb it. In that case
why can’t there be a little flexibility from the companies giving a little free hand to their
employees to pursue their interests without the fear factor ‘Kya hoga if I am caught’. This
will only help the cause of both - improve employee-employer relationship bringing more
transparency in their communication, increase productivity with lower turnover rate
(manpower).

After all it’s only about being a Jack of all trades while being master of 1!