I read an article on Indian Call Centres and I have something to say to the issue:
The Indian call centre workers who turn to drugs to stay awake on the night shift
Only we graveyard-shifters can really understand how working regularly at night can be dangerous to the health. For us humans, it is still essential that we work at daytime and sleep at night. Those of us who work at night may think that it’s just as simple as reversing the body clock and getting used to sleeping in broad daylight while working at night. Well, it’s not at all simple. The article is one proof of that.
I made a post on another blog of mine last month about my health problems with regards to working at night. I am currently having some trouble sleeping and (while I haven’t been to the doctor yet) I think I’ve developed Shift Work Sleep Disorder.
Over the months of working the night shift, I’ve felt fatigue, drowsiness, and sloppiness. I’ve cut my three-meals-a-day routine to two meals a day. I tend to oversleep so much that I’m missing out on a lot on life. I don’t think I have that much of a social life now. I also don’t have a very healthy food diet. Take note: I hate vegetables. And while this may not have much effect on me back when I didn’t have this job, it’s certainly taking a toll on my health.
I can understand why my colleagues would smoke outside during break times to wake up and concentrate more on their work. I can understand why some take to drinking coffee or softdrinks more than usual. It is up to the person him- or herself to use whatever method he or she wants to stay awake and alert.
I do not, however, approve of the use of drugs such as stated in the article. While some may feel like drugs are the answer to their productivity, I certainly wouldn’t want to get used to it. There are other ways to deal with the graveyard shift — healthier ways.
I also want to address the said root of the problem in the article — the salaries. I admit that we make much more than those who work in daytime. This may give some people the “resources” they want to overcome the effects of the graveyard shift. But they should know better than to start misusing both drugs and their salaries.
The call centers and management in India should tackle this problem. Here in the Philippines, business establishments look into its employees and their situations. News like drug abuse within the system would be dealt with when it becomes damaging to the employees’ productivity and to the company. The Indian call center’s should be involved with this problem, as their employees also add to the company’s image and profit. The management should take care of its employees to ensure productivity without any ruin to both the employees’ or the company’s health.
