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The Modern-Day Jack(et) of All Trades: The Slasheur Phenomenon
Salaried jobs meet freelance gigs in the modern workspace, creating a captivating, yet complex figure known as the "slasheur." This dynamic workforce has gained a significant foothold, even with pandemic-driven changes shaking up the corporate world. Let's dive into an intriguing real-life example from the infamous Forvis Mazars firm.
📸 Credit: ra2 studio/Adobe StockBy Sokha Keo Published on
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It’s not all glitz and glamour – this intricate amalgamation of multiple careers is no novelty. But, as the pandemic hits home, companies find themselves embracing this, often unregulated, labor arrangement, depending on the specifics of their structures. Forvis Mazars has been navigating these new waters since 2020 with an open mind. As Charlotte Gouiard, the firm's recruitment and employer branding director, shares, "After Covid, we made a decision to scrap a clause barring employees from participating in various professional endeavors. We retain a non-compete clause, but we do allow for multi-activity beyond the firm."
Flexibility that aligns with societal expectations around job fulfillment encourages employees to take a leap and pursue parallel projects. Recruited full-time, they debut ideas and even build infrastructures, all without causing disruptions in their day-to-day office grind. "This positions the company as an attractive environment for a whole generation who hope to engage in passionate projects," comments Charlotte Gouiard.
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Fast forward to 2022, Forvis Mazars entertains around fifteen declared slasheurs with a diverse range of ultramarine-streaked careers – from life coaches and restaurant managers to social media influencers, public speakers, therapists, world-class athletes, wine producers, and taxidermists peddling their handiwork online! "We even have a handball club manager and a taxidermist selling her art online," adds Charlotte Gouiard. One of the newest igloo dwellers is Sébastien Binet, a consultant in organizational change, who joined the team in 2022.
Apart from his obligations at Forvis Mazars, Sébastien Binet has been directing an amateur handball club for over a decade, clocking in 3 hours per evening and his weekends, equivalent to about 25 hours per week. "All the knowledge I've gathered from the club has given me an edge in managing myself in my role," he attests. "My drive comes from the human aspect, the sense of community.” Beyond his two hats, an unexpected opportunity saw him opening a restaurant, L'Improv, with his sibling chef and friend, in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, in November 2021.
Sébastien Binet chips in on economics, aids in business planning, and lends a hand on Fridays if needed. "I can't fathom a life with just one activity, it keeps me invigorated," shares the multi-talented maestro. The management offers nothing but admiration for his ability to harmonize various talents. "The wealth of the firm is that we can discuss our personal projects, which are welcomed and well-received, and that gives us a sense of security. We feel the commitment to foster personal development," he emphasizes.
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🔐 The key to supporting slasheurs
Empowering slasheurs requires being mindful of potential abuses. As Charlotte Gouiard explains, "Our responsibility is to maintain a balance between their main occupation and their second job." To date, none of the employees have abandoned their CDI to start up on their own. Their ventures, mostly not highly lucrative, have yet to pose threats to their full-time duties. When required, flexible work arrangements are made.
While weaving through the cobbled streets of slasheurship, keep in mind the following insights:
- Talent Retention and Employee Satisfaction: Allowing employees to pursue freelance activities can lead to increased job satisfaction and potentially a more engaged, productive workforce.
- Innovation and Diversity: Freelance activities can foster creativity and expose employees to new ideas, enhancing the company’s innovation pipeline and maintaining a dynamic work culture.
- Risk Mitigation: Be aware of potential conflicts of interest and ensure that freelance activities do not interrupt core responsibilities or violate non-compete clauses. Proper time management and regular communication are crucial.
- Legal and Financial Considerations: Brush up on legal issues concerning tax implications, intellectual property rights, confidentiality, and non-disclosure agreements.
While navigating the labyrinth of slasheurship, chart a course by establishing clear policies, maintaining open communication, and developing a supportive environment that fosters personal and professional development. Embrace the exciting, albeit complex world of multiple careers and reap the rewards that this unique workforce brings to the table!
- Forvis Mazars, a renowned firm, embraced the concept of slasheurs since 2020, allowing employees to engage in multiple careers beyond their main job without causing disruptions.
- One such slasheur at Forvis Mazars is Sébastien Binet, who juggles his role as a consultant in organizational change, managing an amateur handball club, and opening a restaurant.
- Sébastien Binet's various roles provide him with a unique edge in his professional life, citing the human aspect and sense of community as his primary motivation.
- The management at Forvis Mazars appreciates Sébastien's ability to harmonize his talents, creating a supportive environment that nurtures personal development.
- To effectively support slasheurs, companies must maintain a balance between their main occupation and their second job, be aware of potential conflicts of interest, and manage time effectively to avoid disruptions in core responsibilities.
