Introduction

A flexible work culture has transformed how professionals approach their jobs. Meanwhile, one“ trend—“moonlighting employees”—has gained momentum.

Moonlighting refers to having a second job or side hustle in addition to a full-time job. Basically, cheating your full-time employer! 

Some see this as financial freedom or a way to express creativity. Others, however, question loyalty, productivity, and ethics. The debate happened after the pandemic. Employees began seeking different ways to earn money.

As the employees have their take on moonlighting, it becomes important to understand what employers or experts think on this. In this blog, we will discuss business experts’ take on moonlighting employees. There are various viewpoints to understand the depth of the issue.

Understanding Moonlighting Employees in the Modern Work Culture

To understand moonlighting, let’s consider Emma is working 9-5 at a renowned company. After 5 or on weekends, she is working at another job. She does this for extra income and to express her creativity. This is called moonlighting.

Historically, this trend was often seen among the blue-collar employees. But the new trend of moonlighting employees is slightly different. A full-time techie might freelance on weekends. Also, running a YouTube channel or blog page would be considered moonlighting.

Reasons Why Employees Moonlight

Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Patreon are known to be the reason for moonlighting employees. For the current generation, it’s more than just earning extra income. This provides purpose and explores different career options while securing a primary job.

For many professionals, this is a great opportunity to follow their passions. Today, we often see professionals like software developers becoming musicians or influencers. This just adds fulfillment that a primary job lacks to offer. Here is a good read on how 4 artists changed their careers. 

Remote work has made it easy for employees to mix personal and work time. The flexibility has empowered employees to handle additional jobs.

One more reason that appears is job insecurity or recession fears. In this case, people seek a plan B. Many global companies are cutting jobs. This may lead employees to seek other options. 

To conclude, employees see this as beneficial. Creative and forward-thinking. Now let’s see what companies or experts think about moonlighting employees.

What Companies Think About Moonlighting Employees

“No Two-Timing, No Moonlighting.” Infosys sent an email as a warning to its employees with this subject line. This incident took place after Wipro had fired 300 employees who were caught moonlighting for competitors. As we mentioned earlier, even Rishad Premji, an Indian business executive, termed this as “cheating.” 

There is no surprise that these big companies are against moonlighting. According to them, this may result in revenue and productivity losses.

Important Reasons: 

• • Data confidentiality violation and lost productivity
  • Chance to reveal trade secrets
  • Workers could use resources to work two jobs.

While the United Kingdom has no ban on moonlighting. Under UK law, employees are allowed to take a second job while ensuring their primary contract doesn’t forbid it. 

Even the International Labor Organization has not stated anything explicitly about moonlighting. But it supports decent work standards with better treatment and transparency. Many OECD countries allow moonlighting employees with conditions that mainly require that it should not conflict with or violate contractual obligations.

Companies’ opinions on moonlighting vary, ranging from cautious acceptance to adamant condemnation. Let’s examine their main concerns and regulations.

Here is the link to Business Today covering Wipro’s Rishad Premji on moonlighting.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

There are some legal considerations for moonlighting employees. It depends on several factors. 

Ethical Implications

When moonlighting affects job performance or misuses private information, ethics become important.

Moonlighting is usually legal. However, hiding it can hurt trust between employers and employees.

Labor Laws by Country

• • Moonlighting isn’t banned in India. Its legality depends on business contracts and standards. 
  • US companies have more control over at-will workers. However, side gigs are allowed if there are no contract limits.
  • In Europe, labor rules limit working hours. Still, many professionals legally do freelance work. They also provide proper disclosure.

Employment contracts

Many companies ask employees to sign an agreement. It includes barring any other paid work and preventing work with direct or indirect competitors. It also covers safeguarding any content or code created during employment. If the employee violates these rules, it may lead to disciplinary action, legal disputes, or termination.

Conclusion

Moonlighting will continue to exist. It will be harder to tell the difference between main jobs and passion projects. This change comes as work gets more digital, global, and decentralized. Flexibility, fulfillment, and financial independence are what employees desire. In addition, businesses require legal safety, concentration, and trust.

Achieving balance is crucial. Transparent, inclusive policies that acknowledge evolving work practices must be implemented by businesses. Workers should act properly. They must follow their contracts and maintain a professional attitude.

Employers and employees shouldn’t see moonlighting as a threat. Instead, they should view it as an opportunity. With the right management, it can benefit both sides.