Secrets to CODE better - A techies Guide to Better Nutrition!

Techies like to eat more than 2,500 calories daily. 

The culprit for techies' poor diet could be being forced to snack on the job due to their long working hours..

IT workers' voracious appetite could also be an attempt to take on board fuel and stay awake, as the majority of those surveyed get just six hours of sleep each night.

BPO / KPO / and whatever other PO's are out there...........these employees better take good care of your health. It is no secret that, working at 24X7 environments long term can be detrimental to health. However, being health conscious can limit the harm. Experts are in agreement that a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management etc. will help. And what more, they are asking employers to help employees with this matter. My own brother Kevin is a Victim of this new Age Revolution…Its the 21st Century Industrial revolution, where Brick laying now is behind computers during the GRAVEYARD SHIFT. I am watching the Spiralling journey of his career only go up, with his Health going the opposite way.

Though 24X7 work environment is not exclusive to the BPO industry, it is the most talked about. Is the call centre processes designed to fit the technology & not the health of the workers. Is it about outsourcing health problems along with the work?

Companies have now increasingly become vigilant of the health concerns of its employees, as they have realised the importance of a healthy workforce. The mantra chanted across the sector in India is healthy employees can only keep an organization in a good financial health.

Creating a healthy work environment is a win-win for both employers and employees, agree many HR managers. Healthy employees are more productive, is another unanimous voice across the industry. Given the various benefits, it will definitely contribute to build BPO into a $30 bn industry by 2012, employing TEN million operators.

Long working hours, permanent night shifts, incredibly high work targets, loss of identity are the dark clouds that threaten to mar the "sunshine call centre" industry in India.

The management across the sector is increasingly getting aware of occupational hazards associated with the job. The rejuvenation process for the employees is picking up the pace but dearth of innovative techniques can be felt. Although, employees in large Indian corporates are getting adequate facilities but small companies are still gearing up to provide employees with proper working conditions.

Though the industry denies that absenteeism is connected to health concerns, the bottomline remains illness & fatigue as common reasons.  Many companies are providing for healthy lifestyle practices within a healthy physical & social environment. Health education & awareness forms the core of numerous facilities that the sector provides for its employees.  Awareness generation has to be at the motivational level so that the impact affects not only the work but also the employees in general.

It is very important to educate the employees about correct lifestyle especially in diet patterns & exercise as the after effects, imbalances & complications show up in long term. I believe that continuous variability in the shifts can have major implications and the industry should guarantee a single shift with fixed week offs for a period of time so that it is easier for the employees to fulfill both their biological needs & social obligations.

We got to make smart choices in what we eat so that the body remains fit and helps in coping with the day to day stress & demands of 24X7 work scenario. Health concerns as one of the major reasons for attrition in the sector  as I recently found out from my Brother.

What can you DO?

1. It is quite pertinent to make an instant switch to items, which are non-fatty in nature and are easily digestible. i recommends oat based meal, brown rice & daliya. Suggest avoiding heavy dinners, strongly advocates increase in the intake of sprouts, curd, roasted snacks & fruits in daily meals. 
2. Instead of fizzy drinks, nimbu pani & light tea are healthier options.
3. In addition, exercise is a must for a healthy body & mind. Get a Personal trainer. Stop blaming the world for your miseries. Take control of your responsibility towards discipline. Your body is a TEMPLE its about time you worship it.
4. Instead of blaming a certain situation, a little care & attention in managing what we eat everyday will not only increase productivity at work but also bring in better work life balance. 
5. Also the organisation needs to be sensitive towards the health concerns of the employees PERIOD.
6. Apart from a need for an explicit & relevant regulation & guidance specific to the industry, health risk assessment and its control is a must. Length & frequency of breaks should be specified along with counseling to strike a balance between physical & mental rhythm to synchronise the body clock.

So, if working 24X7, switch to fruit parties from Pizza & pakora parties not only at office but outside too.

 A healthy body inculcates creativity & improves productivity. Reasons enough to gear up.

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