88 Gender Matters
night, and could be vulnerable to attack and harassment. The
call center I work in is located in an isolated business area, just
like many other call centers, away from public transport. Most
call centers have sleeping quarters. There is also a shuttle bus to
ferry employees from office to drop off points in the transport
route. Call center staff have no influence over the working hours
and shift, which are announced often at the last minute. (52)
Night workers are exposed to greater risks compared to day time
workers. These risks include potential danger and difficulty in
availing themselves of transport services; effects on health and
body rhythms in terms of sleep and nourishment; deprivation
in socialization opportunities like attending family and other
social gatherings; among others (Sibal 2010 citing Soriano 1985).
Safety measures and other arrangements should be put in place to
address the specific concerns of women, such as security guards to
accompany employees to where they take their rides, arrangement
with taxi companies, and shuttle services. Pregnant women should
be exempted from night shifts. Call center establishments should
provide resident physicians for pregnant women, breastfeeding areas
and daycare facilities.
Amante’s 2008 study shows that there is no significant
difference in the work shift distribution of single and married BPO
employees. In his survey, married employees (27.3 percent) who
said their work schedules changes frequently are significantly greater
in proportion compared to single employees (15 percent). He did
not specify the gender of these married workers. Married women
who work at night would necessarily have to sleep and rest during
the day. Hence, it is important to look into the implications of this
arrangement on the allocation of domestic and family work. Does
a woman worker’s night shift lead to a reversal of gender roles at
home?
A key feature of interactive service work is the projection
of a specific set of emotions prescribed by the organization and
embodied in the rules of employment. Employees are expected to
appear happy, nice and glad to serve the customers in spite of any
private misgivings they may have (Pico 2006). A call center agent
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