Employment Verification
Employee Moonlighting has been a growing trend in the US since 1996, and it is now hitting headlines in India. The issue of moonlighting among remote employees has only been made worse by the pandemic. Let’s first discuss what is employee moonlighting? and why it is becoming more popular.
Moonlighting is the activity of working in a second job in addition to one’s primary job. Employee moonlighting is a word that refers to doing a second job outside of regular working hours, however, there is no legal definition of it in India.
After the Covid-19-induced lockdown caused businesses to shift to work from home, the habit of taking on an extra job increased in recent years. People who work online find it considerably simpler to balance two or more jobs. According to a recent Mint survey, 64% of people believe employee moonlighting is ethically good, with 12% saying they are confused. Robust background checks are a crucial initial step in selecting the proper individuals for your business and assisting you in building trust and safety within your employees. Here at Integritas, we provide various background verification services such as education verification, previous employment verification, ID proof verification, address verification, criminal check, database check etc.
In this article, we will discuss about What is employee moonlighting?
What is Employee Moonlighting?
When an employee does two jobs at the same time, this is referred to as dual employment or employee moonlighting. Employee moonlighting is the practice of working a second job in addition to one’s primary job.
This might be a method for employees to earn extra money. However, this could result in conflicts of interest and perhaps decreased productivity at their primary work. Employers need to conduct pre-employment screenings before hiring someone. This helps you to determine if such actions are covered by any policies.
Furthermore, employees who may be moonlighting must be considered as well. Having policies in place will assist. These regulations prevent conflicts of interest and decreased productivity.
Why are employees moonlighting?
As we already discussed, What Is Employee Moonlighting? Lets now discuss Why are employees moonlighting?
The opportunity for getting more money is always a tempting option, but this is not the only reason for people to search for different job options. Others are doing it due to boredom, while others do it for passion.
A simple Google search will show that there are many startups and small businesses that provide part-time employment options. People have found it quite simple to take up extra employment due to the easy access to available jobs on job portals and online tests/interviews.
Finding a side job is always a tempting approach to increase your income. Following the pandemic, there have been jobs and salary reductions in many industries, which have put pressure on people’s budgets. The fear of losing one’s job was another. People have moved to side businesses to pay off debts or just to increase their income.
The desire to follow one’s passion while maintaining their main source of income is another. A person who works in IT can also be skilled in other fields such as music or writing. The extra time, which was a luxury before working from home became the usual, allows them to pursue the interests that they have always had. People might more easily split their time between two jobs because of flexible working hours. One’s desire to start their own business may inspire one to work on more initiatives.
A second job offers the chance to learn. Employees may be required to remain at their current jobs due to job security, but they also search for chances to further their education and skills. Employees who spend time learning at work are 47% less likely to feel anxious and 39% more likely to feel successful, according to LinkedIn research from 2018. Lack of learning opportunities and low levels of work satisfaction in one’s present job may push one to change careers or search for part-time jobs that provide an opportunity to grow professionally.
Is Employee Moonlighting Ethical?
When it comes to side jobs, Indian firms are divided. While some believe it to be ethical, others disagree. Some businesses are opposed to it and punish or terminate employees who are found to be in violation. At the policy level, some people have adopted employee moonlighting. Common issues about employee moonlighting include the possibility that it may reduce employee productivity, affect business culture, and, in the worst case, damage the privacy and security of an organization and its employees. A culture of distrust might develop as a result of employee moonlighting.
Legal implications
There is no specific regulation in India that stops employees from doing a second job. But according to Section 60 of the Factories Act of 1948. No senior employee should be forced or permitted to work on any day on which he has previously been working in any other workplace.
Each state in India has its Shops and Establishments Act. Dual employment is prohibited under the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, 1954, and the Bombay Shops and Establishments Act. Additionally, according to The Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Central Rules, 1946, employees are not allowed to act against the interest of the businesses they are employed by or accept a second job that would affect the interests of their first employer.
None of these laws is related to the IT industry, however. The agreements of IT businesses may include provisions prohibiting employees from accepting new jobs. Getting a side job, particularly with a leading competitor, may be considered a breach of the contract.
What are the issues companies face in employee moonlighting?
Companies are concerned that splitting time between two occupations may reduce employee work quality and productivity. There is also the risk that when there are two deadlines to fulfill rather than one, stress levels will be greater, resulting in lower or worse quality output. Another negative effect of a side hustle is fatigue, which can lead to distraction and potentially neglect.
Employers are likewise concerned about data and confidentiality breaches, particularly when working with a direct rival. There is also fear that employees would exploit corporate resources for a second job.
Moonlighting can be done in a variety of ways
Blue Moonlighting – In this case, employees get some advantages that may not be satisfactory, so they seek a second source of income to meet their needs.
Quarter Moonlighting – Quarter moonlighting occurs when an employee is dissatisfied with their salary and chooses part-time employment.
Half Moonlighting – Employees who want to live a lavish lifestyle while saving a reasonable amount for the future begin spending time on a secondary source of income. This is also known as half-time work.
Full Moonlighting – When an employee’s salary does not satisfy their expectations, or when their colleagues are making more money and enjoying their position, such employees start their businesses in addition to their normal employment.
Conclusion
Moonlighting is the action of working multiple jobs after regular business hours without the knowledge of one’s primary job. Employee moonlighting can become a strategy for maintaining sufficient productivity while avoiding disengagement, gaining new abilities, and increasing enthusiasm.
Moonlighting can also contradict the primary goal of rest time, vacations, and leave, while also negatively impacting employees’ physical and mental health and leading to burnout. Loss of experience, data, and technology to competitors will also create a risk to the employer. Hope now you completely understand What Is Employee Moonlighting?. We at Integritas provide best quality background verification services such as education check, tenant verification, criminal check, reference check, address check and identity check, etc. Create a one-of-a-kind, resilient solution with our adjustable range of services to help reduce risk and maintain compliance. Tell us about your business, and we’ll contact you shortly to discuss the best screening options for your requirements.
