An employment satisfaction survey conducted among 20 BPO firms encompassing 1,760 employees all over the country indicates a steady decline in women staffers, from 36 per cent in 2005 to 32 per cent in 2007 to 29 per cent at present.

Among the various reasons being ascribed for this decline are the impact of late night shifts on health as well as the risk of travel at inopportune times of the day.

While employees were quite happy with the work culture as well as the salaries, the key dampeners were long and unstable work timings and lack of sufficient general holidays. The survey also revealed that 32 per cent of the employees suffered from sleep disorders, 25 per cent had developed digestive problems, and about 20 per cent suffered from eyesight problems.

Overwhelmed with rising employee-related problems, BPO firms are gearing up to tackle the situation. With huge amounts being spent on employee-training, companies are now trying to retain staffers so as to avoid bigger costs that are caused by rising attrition rates.

BPO units, concerned about their staffers' health, are now trying to provide nutritious food to employees. Talks are on to reduce work timings and to introduce more breaks during working hours. Arrangements are also being made to ease travel time: for instance, if on one route five people are being picked up, BPOs now plan to reduce the number to three thereby helping cut down on travel time.

According to the New England Journal of Medicine shift workers appear to be at increased risk for peptic ulcer disease, coronary heart disease, insulin resistance, as well as for sleep deprivation, depression, and sleepiness-related accidents.

Small adjustments can reduce the negative factors of night shift work: get enough good deep sleep (minimum 6 hours); reduce noise and other disturbances; darken bedroom to simulate nighttime; avoid heavy foods, caffeine, alcohol or tobacco (stimulants that may interfere with sleeping); avoid exercise or strenuous activity prior to sleeping (increases adrenaline)