Wipro sacks 300 workers for Moonlighting

The topic of Moonlighting has sparked several online debates in the IT industry..

Let’s know first what does moonlighting means: 

Moonlighting means taking up a second job or multiple other work assignments apart from one’s full-time job. 

The practice of working for other organization while committing oneself to one’s primary workplace, typically without the employer's knowledge, is termed as 'moonlighting'. Companies have opposed the practice, saying that employees doing multiple jobs can impact their productivity.

Moonlighting has become a topic of debate in the IT industry as working from home became the normal norm during the Covid-19 pandemic, which is believed to have led to a rise in dual employment.

Wipro has taken a stand against employees involved in moonlighting and sacked 300 employees. 

According to the statement given by the Wipro chairman Rishad Premji said that the company found 300 people to be moonlighting and working for rival companies in the last few months, adding that there was no place for such people in the company.

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."

Another major IT firm, Infosys, has warned its employees against taking up a second job without letting the company know. In one of the recent emails sent by the HR department to employees, Infosys highlighted that all its employees must read their employment contracts before taking up an alternative job. In fact, the company also warned employees of termination if they take up a second job during or post-working hours.