Wipro Sacks 300 Workers for Moonlighting – What is Moonlighting?

Wipro Sacks 300 Workers for Moonlighting

Wipro has fired 300 employees as part of a strict policy against moonlight workers. The company recently discovered 300 employees moonlighting and working for rival companies, according to Wipro Chairman Rishad Premji, who added that such individuals had no place in the organization.

What is Moonlighting?

“Moonlighting” refers to doing many jobs in addition to one’s regular job. Moonlighting is the phrase used to describe the practice of working for another organization while dedicating oneself to one’s primary workplace, usually without the employer’s knowledge. Companies disagree with the method, claiming that having staff perform numerous tasks can reduce productivity. 

As working from home became the norm during the Covid-19 pandemic, which is thought to have caused an increase in dual employment, moonlighting has come under discussion in the IT industry.

Following the remarks of Wipro’s CEO, there is some disagreement within the Indian IT company regarding moonlighting. The chief operating officer (CFO) of Tata Consultancy Services, NG Subramaniam, described it as an ethical issue, but the CEO of Tech Mahindra, CP Gurnani, said he would be receptive to the practice if it allows staff members to earn extra money. He has also warned the staff about fraud and expects they will be truthful.

Another significant IT business, Infosys, has warned its employees against accepting a second job without first informing the employer. Infosys recently reminded all of its employees to study their employment contracts before accepting a different job in one of the letters sent to staff members by the HR department. The employer also issued a warning that if an employee accepted a second job during or after working hours, they risked being fired.

The majority of IT firms have strengthened their stand on moonlighting and threatened to fire employees who are found to be working two jobs.

Moonlighting could be viewed as unfair competition if an employee’s contract stipulates non-compete restrictions and exclusive employment.

Speaking at an All India Management Association event and as reported by Moneycontrol, Premji said, “If you actually look at the definition of moonlighting, it is having a second job secretively I’m all about transparency. As a part of transparency, individuals in organisations can have very candid conversations.”

He added that organizations and individuals could make a “concerted choice” about second jobs. Alluding to the Wipro incident, he reiterated that current employees working for rival firms are a “complete violation of integrity in its deepest form”.

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