I'm sure others will comment on the fact that 1 year sounds really long to the average developer. Not really because 365 days is unreasonable (though in some ca

I'm sure others will comment on the fact that 1 year sounds really long to the average developer. Not really because 365 days is unreasonable (though in some cases it might be), but because it symbolically sounds like BS. It sounds like the company is in economic trouble or that you will "have a change of plans' and postpone the 20% rule in the months to come. Either way, that doesn't make a very motivated team. I read your comment of only requiring 40 hour work weeks. That shows you're aware, I wish more employers had that outlook. This may not be popular, but I think you do need to make an exception to the rule, while maintaining it for the other 49. People will understand if the the Lead Developer has "research projects" that stay undefined. It might even accidentally inspire some to want to be the Lead Developer.