Click to play videoBangalore: Independence Day is around the corner, but the BPO sector will not get a holiday to watch the flag-hoisting ceremonies and celebrate the day like every other Indian because BPOs in the country are not entitled to a holiday on August 15.
But as BPO employees head to work on Independence Day, Bangalore debates if this practice is a done thing.
Employees in most of the BPO's work to American time zones, and get offs on American public holidays. Though, many employees are familiar with this pattern, a recent survey by the Union for ITES employees reveals that a large number of them are disgruntled.
"If I have to spend time with my parents and children, it's on Indian holidays. If I'm off on US holidays, maybe they're not off, so I prefer Indian holidays," says a BPO employee.
The survey, covering 1,500 people, indicates that 83 per cent felt August 15 should be a compulsory holiday. However, a small but significant 9 per cent of those surveyed said that Independence Day meant nothing to them.
BPOs do offer employees a compensatory off and overtime pay for working on I-Day, but it seems it may not be enough to raise their low spirits that they are not a part of the country’s celebrations.
As the Tri-Colour flag hoists, and celebrations galore, it would be business as usual, and not entirely a happy Independence Day for the BPOs.
(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)
More on IBNLive Right Now
TOP NEWS
MOST SHARED
PHOTOGALLERY
