In my opinion needing enough slack in a system certainly rings true for many jobs that rely on high intrinsic motivation (probably also academia). Slack is also

In my opinion needing enough slack in a system certainly rings true for many jobs that rely on high intrinsic motivation (probably also academia). Slack is also something that is essential for creative jobs, where you need the space to think and come up with new ideas. Looking at the levels of busyness the concept of requiring slack is still compatible for me. If I am at low levels of busyness (< 4) there should be capacity for planned slots of slack, where goals can be worked on with own pace, ad-hoc meetings and guidance from peers (to fulfil the SDT motivational needs).