Dive Brief: 

• Deustch LA encourages employees to pursue outside ideas with its "Side Project" program. 
• Side Project offers up agency resources like creative teams, expertise and agency connections to help employees pursue business ideas outside of the agency. 
• The program is meant to encourage employees to be well-rounded and creative, and also to help strengthen employee retention. 

Dive Insight: 

Employee turnover is a huge issue within the agency world. Side Project seems like just the kind of positive program that could lessen the urge to jump agencies. Allowing employees to be open about their outside pursuits gives them another creative outlet and lessens ideas that there is no room for advancement at the agency — a common reason for employees to leave.