Recently social media discussions and articles have highlighted a potential conflict of interest surrounding the sponsorship of the 55th Annual Conference of the Nutrition Society of India by companies like Pepsi, Coca-Cola, and Kellogg’s. These companies, known for products high in sugar and fat, have been linked to the rising burden of non-communicable diseases impacting billions globally. Critics argue that their sponsorship of a conference focused on nutrition raises concerns about influencing the discourse and compromising the scientific integrity of the conference. This trend of corporate sponsorship in research extends beyond the food and beverage industry. Over the past two…

The last few weeks have seen a series of high-profile legal battles involving Cognizant and its rivals Wipro and Infosys over allegations that the former is involved in talent poaching and breach of non-compete clauses by hiring top executives from the latter. While Wipro and Infosys are headquartered in India, Cognizant is headquartered in the United States, though the majority of its workforce is based out of India. Wipro filed a lawsuit against its former Senior Vice President, Mohd Haque, based in the United States, for alleged breach of confidentiality and non-compete contract clauses by joining Cognizant before the expiration…

In the bustling realm of the corporate world, leadership is often likened to a shepherd guiding his flock, ensuring their well-being, and steering them toward success. However, just as a shepherd’s credibility hinges on his trustworthiness, so too does a leader’s influence rest upon their commitment to their team. In Aesop’s classic fable, “The Boy Who Cried Wolf,” a young shepherd used to take his flock of sheep to the hill to graze on the fresh green grass. Sitting idle watching his sheep graze all day, he felt bored. Suddenly, he got an idea to overcome his boredom and cried…

The OpenAI Saga is well-known to all. This article is not intended to retell the story, which has been covered well in the media, but to help understand the power dynamics underlying the conflict. On November 17, 2023, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI and the creator of ChatGPT was fired by the company’s board of directors over Google Meet, citing a loss of confidence in his ability to continue leading OpenAI. This was a shocker for the tech world, as there was no prior indication of any conflict between Sam Altman and the board of OpenAI. Rumors and speculations abound…

Once upon a time, in a bustling manufacturing company that specialized in crafting control panels, there was an invisible divide that permeated the workplace. This division was not based on skill or experience but on something as simple as the clothes people wore to work. The company had always enforced a strict dress code for the workers on the factory floor. They donned rugged uniforms designed primarily for safety purposes – to protect them from the myriad hazards of the machinery and materials they worked with. However, the office staff, including engineers and managers, enjoyed a relaxed dress code. They…

Sanjay is a software engineer with a US multinational company that specializes in software as a service. He has been with the company for four years, which is a notable achievement given the current trend of employees frequently changing jobs. Despite his success, he is seeking a new challenge and has applied for external positions. He has received four offers and is undecided about which one to accept, as all of them are equally attractive. He is also concerned about how his career will progress if he makes the calculated decision to leave his current job while he is doing…

Last year, a LinkedIn post by the CEO of a popular Indian personal care and grooming solutions startup sparked debate on toxic work culture. In his post, the CEO emphasized the need to “worship work” and to put in “18-hour days” in the initial years to build a successful career rather than focusing on things like work-life balance, spending time with family, and rejuvenation. After much criticism, he clarified that all he meant is the importance of hard work in the initial years to build a strong foundation for a successful career. In another instance, when asked about allegations of…

Alexa is an experienced software development professional with four years of core software development experience. She worked as a Module Lead in a leading software-as-a-service company and joined the company right after graduating in computer science engineering, recruited as a fresher from campus. Having mastered multiple technologies and programming languages like C#, .NET, and Go Lang, along with hands-on experience in cutting-edge projects, she sought to explore opportunities beyond her comfort zone. She embarked on a job search and applied for positions through various portals and company career websites. Recruiters from multiple companies reached out to her, and she attended…

ABC Innovations is a mid-sized IT company with its headquarters in Mumbai. It had offices spread across all Indian metros and onsite locations in the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. ABC Innovations also followed a five-day work-from-office week. But the scenario changed upside down in the year 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdowns prevented employees from visiting their offices. Hence, ABC Innovations, like all other organizations, transitioned into a completely remote work setup. At first, working from home seemed like a dream come true for many. No long commutes, no crowded office spaces, and no rigid…

In a compelling case study, a prominent Indian IT consulting and services multinational found itself vying against industry titans for a lucrative, long-term project from a global financial powerhouse. Despite fierce competition, the company secured victory in a grueling bidding war by pledging to deliver the project at a substantially reduced cost compared to its rivals. In a bid to ensure even a marginal profit, the organization was compelled to undertake the project with a considerably leaner workforce. While the upper echelons of leadership celebrated their hard-fought triumph, the sentiment on the ground was decidedly less optimistic. Within the team,…

Sathish, a trailblazing first-generation engineer hailing from a quaint village in southern Tamil Nadu, embarked on a remarkable journey. Armed with a B. Tech degree in Information Technology, he secured a distinguished position as a Software Engineer in an esteemed Indian multinational corporation headquartered in Bengaluru. During his onboarding process, Sathish took the prudent step of updating his personal contact details and furnishing comprehensive information about his dependents and family members within the company’s dedicated employee portal. Displaying foresight, he meticulously revised his nominees for retiral benefits, which encompassed vital aspects such as group corporate term life insurance, Provident Fund…

In 2022, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the most influential cricket governing body announced gender parity for cricketers in India following New Zealand. The year 2023 has been even more encouraging for women in cricket. The inaugural edition of the Women’s Indian Premier League (WIPL) in March 2023 concluded with Mumbai Indians crowned champions, although it has taken 15 long years for the glass ceiling to be broken by women cricketers in India after the men’s IPL began in 2008. In a historic decision, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced in July 2023 that men’s and…

The debate around moonlighting in the technology sector has gained much attention in recent times. To the uninitiated, moonlighting refers to the act of working at an extra job, especially without telling your main employer (Cambridge Dictionary). Many global technology companies have come out against moonlighting as an issue of ethical and legal concern. Indian IT major Wipro announced in September 2022 that it had terminated about 300 employees who were found to be working simultaneously for their competitors. On the other hand, Swiggy, the Indian online food ordering and delivery platform has come out with a moonlighting policy that…

Arun was working at XYZ Corporation, an Indian IT consulting and service firm. This was his employment after his graduation in computer science engineering and was a campus recruit. Having completed 3 years at XYZ Corporation, Arun decided to explore opportunities outside and got an offer from another IT major within 3 months. He was offered a hike of 70% and a higher designation than his current employer. Arun met his manager and formally informed him of his decision to resign from the services of XYZ Corporation and updated his resignation in the HR portal and also emailed the same.…

Insights on Work wishes its readers on the occasion of the 154th Gandhi Jayanti celebrated today, 2nd October 2023, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. Let’s learn about Gandhi’s views on labor. Mahatma Gandhi, one of the most iconic figures in modern history, was not only a champion of India’s independence but also a profound thinker in economics and labor relations. His economic ideals were deeply rooted in his broader political, sociological, and philosophical beliefs, all of which aimed at the moral development of human beings and the establishment of economic justice and equality. In this essay, we will explore Gandhi’s…

ABC Analytics, a prominent multinational IT company, was known for its cutting-edge technology solutions and an extensive portfolio of clients worldwide. The management under the leadership of its CEO Alex had always been passionate about creating a dynamic and innovative work environment. The company believed in fostering creativity, individual growth, and recognition, all of which align with Herzberg’s motivators. Therefore, ABC Analytics invested heavily in initiatives to motivate employees, such as challenging projects, recognition programs, and opportunities for career advancement. The Motivating Factors Initiative In an effort to elevate employee motivation, Alex initiated several programs: Innovation Challenges: Employees were encouraged…

As March comes, it marks the end of the financial year for many countries like the UK, India, and Japan. For businesses, this is the time to review and close their business accounts. For employees, it is about completing their performance appraisals and gearing up for increments and promotions. Sathish is a software developer working in an Indian IT multinational corporation (MNC) in Hyderabad. This is his second appraisal cycle after graduating from college, and he is eager to receive feedback on his performance and set goals for the future. However, he is busy with project deliverables and works late…

As the flight touched down at Chennai International Airport at quarter past midnight, Aditya was relieved to be back in the city after a long business trip. He quickly booked a cab through a ride-hailing app to take him home to Anna Nagar. The cab driver, Rajesh, requested that he be paid a tip of Rs. 100 above the bill amount, which Aditya agreed to reluctantly. The car glided through the night, and Aditya decided to break the silence, curious about Rajesh’s life as a gig worker. With the gentle Chennai breeze rustling Rajesh’s hair, he began to share his…

Dear Valued Readers, On this Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday of September in the United States, Insightsonwork.com extends its heartfelt greetings. This day serves as a tribute to the contributions of American workers, highlighting their integral role in the nation’s economy and society. Tracing the Origins of US Labor Day Understanding the historical backdrop of Labor Day provides insights into its significance. In the aftermath of the American Civil War (1861-1865), the United States underwent a rapid and unchecked industrial expansion. This period of growth brought forth new opportunities and urban development yet was marred by harsh working…