The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : ‘It is to eat right, and also to eat on time’

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Oct 24, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

‘It is to eat right, and also to eat on time’

Divya Gandhi

Hyper-acidity is one of the most common problems among BPO firm workers

Employees on night shift should eat well at night
Opt for boiled corn or fruits and fruit juice to ward off hunger pangs

Bangalore: Biscuits, water and badam. This may sound like what you would find in a trekker’s backpack — essential energy boosters on a challenging Himalayan expedition perhaps. But this is what many call centre and Business Process Outsourcing firm workers snack on to stave off hunger pangs during their odd working hours.

Even as Soheil Sen, a supervisor at a bank BPO who manages a team of seven process executives, applauds the attempts of his company in creating a stress-free environment, he expresses concern over the eating habits of his colleagues.

Eating habits

“There is never any dearth of food — we have a food court that offers everything from chaat to burgers to regular meals. But the problem is that one rarely gets to eat when one wants to,” says Mr. Sen.

The nature of the work being such that not everyone can leave their work stations at once, some batches could actually end up having a rushed lunch as late as 4 p.m., he says.

“Snacking on biscuits keeps hunger at bay and prevents acidity.”

Hyper-acidity in fact is one of the main complaints that nutritionist Sheela Krishnaswamy receives from BPO employees, something she attributes to irregular meal timings and the high intake of caffeine.

“It is to eat right, and also to eat on time. Employees on night shift have to make some major changes in their daily routine. They must try to get their full quota of sleep during the day when they have time off, and avoid eating at this time. Conversely, they should eat well at night.”

It is the responsibility both of the company and the individual to choose healthy food over junk, she says. “Stay away from fried food and opt for boiled corn or fruits and fruit juice as a way to ward off hunger pangs and to stay healthy. Whole grains, vegetables — both cooked and raw — and fruits are essential,” she says, adding that “everyone needs a well balanced diet of energy, protein, minerals and vitamins to stay healthy.”

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