Question

Direction: Read the following scenario and answer the TWO questions that follow.
Moonlighting is the practice of working for one organisation while also accepting additional responsibilities and jobs, typically without the employer's knowledge in another organization. It is named as such because it is typically performed at night or on the weekends. “Doing two remote jobs at once was already happening; it was the biggest open secret out there in tech," said a US techie.
Due to weaker margins, major Indian IT companies such as Infosys, TCS, and Wipro announced that they would delay, postpone, or reduce variable pay-outs to employees for the first quarter of fiscal year 2023. This drew attention to Moonlighting.
The Indian IT industry was divided on the issue of Moonlighting. Some considered it unethical, while others viewed it as an urgent necessity. Infozeta Chairman Patrick's stance on this matter was crystal clear. "There is a great deal of talk about people working part-time in the tech industry. This is cheating, pure and simple," he had tweeted.
However, McMillan, CEO of Betauniverse, does not consider Moonlighting as "cheating.". "Employment is a contract between an employer who pays me for working 'n' number of hours per day," he explained. “Now, what I do after that time is entirely up to me; I can do whatever I please."
Which of the following options will have the LEAST negative consequence on Moonlighting employees?

• A. Employer reducing salaries of employees because of Moonlighting
• B. Employer reducing daily working hours from eight hours to six hours
• C. Employees's performance may be adversely affected because of overworking
• D. Increased family problems because employees will not spend quality time at home
• E. Poor physical health of employees because of excess work

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To determine which option will have the least negative consequence on moonlighting employees, let's evaluate each option provided:

1. Employer reducing salaries of employees because of Moonlighting: Reducing salaries would directly impact the financial well-being of the employees and could demotivate them significantly. This would have a considerably negative consequence on their livelihood.
2. Employer reducing daily working hours from eight hours to six hours: Reducing the working hours would not only provide employees with more free time to manage their secondary jobs (moonlighting), but could also reduce stress and enhance their overall well-being. This option is likely to have the least negative impact and might even be beneficial.
3. Employees' performance may be adversely affected because of overworking: Overworking can lead to burnout, decreased efficiency, and overall poor performance. This has a direct negative impact on employees' careers and mental and physical health.
4. Increased family problems because employees will not spend quality time at home: Lack of quality family time can result in strained relationships and long-term personal issues, creating a negative impact on employees' personal lives.
5. Poor physical health of employees because of excess work: Working excessively without adequate rest can lead to health complications such as fatigue, stress, and other medical issues, adversely affecting employees' well-being.

Upon analyzing the options, it is clear that reducing the daily working hours from eight to six hours (Option 2) is the choice that would cause the least negative impact on employees involved in moonlighting. This option allows them more time to manage their work-life balance effectively, potentially alleviating some of the negative consequences associated with moonlighting.

Answer 2

The scenario presents Moonlighting as a contentious issue in the Indian IT industry, with differing opinions on its ethics and necessity. The problem involves determining which of the listed options presents the least negative consequence on employees engaged in Moonlighting.

Analysis of Options:

• Employer reducing salaries of employees because of Moonlighting: This option negatively impacts employees financially and could demotivate them, leading to dissatisfaction and potential turnover.
• Employer reducing daily working hours from eight hours to six hours: This option allows employees more personal time and may even improve their work-life balance, making it the least negative consequence among the options provided.
• Employees' performance may be adversely affected because of overworking: Overworking can lead to burnout, reduced productivity, and poor performance at both jobs, which is detrimental to employees' career prospects.
• Increased family problems because employees will not spend quality time at home: This option can lead to strained family relationships, affecting employees' personal lives and well-being.
• Poor physical health of employees because of excess work: Excessive work often leads to health issues, reducing employees' overall quality of life.

Considering these points, the option with the least negative consequence is when the employer reduces daily working hours from eight hours to six hours, as it potentially offers Moonlighting employees additional time for other commitments or rest, thereby reducing the adverse impacts of overwork.