Indian IT giant, Wipro, has fired 300 employees as part of a strict anti-moonlighting policy. According to Wipro Chairman Rishad Premji, the company recently discovered 300 employees moonlighting and working for competitors, and such individuals have no place in the organization.
What is moonlighting?
The term “moonlighting” refers to working multiple jobs on top of one’s regular job. The practice of working for other organizations while dedicating oneself to one’s primary workplace, usually without the employer’s knowledge, is referred to as moonlighting.
Following Wipro’s CEO’s remarks, there is some disagreement within the Indian IT industry about moonlighting. Tata Consultancy Services’ chief operating officer, NG Subramaniam, described it as an ethical dilemma, but Tech Mahindra CEO, CP Gurnani, said he would be open to the practice if it allowed employees to earn extra money.
Infosys has warned its employees not to accept a second job
Another major IT company, Infosys, has warned its employees not to accept a second job without first informing the employer. In one of the letters sent to staff members by the HR department, Infosys recently reminded all of its employees to read their employment contracts before accepting a different job. In fact, the employer also warned employees that if they accepted a second job during or after working hours, they would be fired.
The majority of IT firms have increased their opposition to moonlighting and have threatened to fire employees who are caught working two jobs. If an employee’s contract includes non-compete clauses and exclusive employment, moonlighting could be considered an unethical practice.
“Complete violation of integrity in its deepest form”
According to Moneycontrol, Premji stated, “If you look at the definition of moonlighting, it is having a second job that is done secretly. I am all about transparency. Individuals in organizations can have very candid conversations as part of transparency.” Premji was speaking at an event hosted by the All India Management Association.
He reiterated that existing employees working for competitors are a “complete violation of integrity in its deepest form,” referring to the Wipro incident.