BPOs have a pill for football fever

Mumbai: It’s finally here. The Football World Cup kicks off in Germany on Friday and soccer mania is gripping India as well.

With football frenzy reaching a fever pitch and employees fretting over having to miss out on the action, the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector has come up with a unique idea to keep them happy, while not compromising on work.

Fearing a low turnout on match days, several BPOs across the country have installed Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screens on every floor in their offices, so that employees don't miss out on matches while they work.

"Everyone is high on Football World Cup right now. They would be keen to know about Ronaldo and the other big players score. This will continue till one month and we can't afford our employees to bunk offices for such a long period," Sales Director Intelenet Shawn Pereira says.

Though sceptics believe the move will only result in distraction, not many are complaining.

Employers are ready to pay a small price to keep their business going and employees have assured their bosses that barring few minor diversions, work will not get affected.

"I don't think this is a source of distraction. On the contrary, this gives us encouragement. It's better to come to office and see the match rather than being at office and thinking what's happening in the match at home," Team Leader, Intelenet, Mario Calberra says.

So if you are thinking of bunking work just to watch those matches, you could pass the BPO idea on to your bosses as well.

(With inputs from Suyesha Sawant in Mumbai)

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