The right corporate culture would end moonlighting

Source: The post is based on the article “The right corporate culture would end moonlighting” published in the Livemint on 30^th September 2022.

Syllabus: GS 3: Indian economy and employment.

Relevance: About Moonlighting.

News: Wipro has sacked 300 employees it found guilty of working for its competitors. This triggered the ‘moonlighting’ debate.

What is moonlighting?

Why moonlighting is not acceptable?

Not for all: When it comes to professionals who have access to sensitive data such as customer information and trade secrets of their employers or are in possession of the company’s intellectual property, moonlighting poses a direct risk to the organization. So, in sectors such as fintech and banking, moonlighting shouldn’t be acceptable due to the sheer magnitude of risk it poses.

The employee-Employer agreement: Under it, the employee has explicitly agreed to a non-compete and single employment clause while joining a company. So, moonlighting raises questions about a person’s integrity and violates the implicit bond of trust shared between an employee and the employer. Further, it might even cause legal ramifications.

Where moonlighting is acceptable?

In countries like the US, moonlighting is close to the norm. Many people work multiple gigs to make ends meet.

An employee and a freelancer are not the same. So, it is acceptable for the segment of professionals who prefer to work on short-term projects while being connected to multiple organizations. Consultants, gig workers, freelancers, etc, have limited exposure to an organization’s trade secrets.

Combined with a non-disclosure agreement for them, there is a fair amount of confidentiality and protection built in.

What are the conditions that lead to moonlighting?

Employees actually accept two different professional responsibilities due to reasons such as a) First organization’s pay and benefits are lacking, b) Lack of opportunities to grow and learn within the organization, c) Lack of job satisfaction, and d) Organization lag on employee engagement, e) An employee may need an additional source of income due to an emergency, f) Employee may desire a move into a more challenging role or want to learn something new.

What are the concerns associated with moonlighting and work culture?

There has been a consistent and strong focus on the work culture and work-life balance since the pandemic. If employees are seeking additional work while organizations facilitate initiatives to promote a better work-life balance, there must be a crack in the foundation of work culture.

What should be done?

Improve the organization’s culture: a) Every manager and every leader must be equipped to understand the struggles of their teammates, b) Sustain the focus on the well-being of employees, c) Provide employees financial options to take care of themselves and their families during medical crises, d) Offering work flexibility to those who are also primary caregivers to children or the elderly, and e) Establishing a support system of mental health professionals along with empathetic managers.

The right culture is the only solution to this perennial problem of moonlighting. Further, a good work culture will also create a mutual sense of belonging, loyalty and trust.