Business as usual for Gurgaon BPO firms

While the tension in Gurgaon because of labour unrest refuses to die down, the business process outsourcing (BPO) units that operate in the region say it is business as usual. Most companies have made arrangements to ensure minimal absenteeism resulting in business continuity for their global clients.

With arrangements like all-night vigil by senior management, employing buses to ferry staff and rearranging shifts, BPO companies have taken steps to prevent any disruption in business.

"We have changed shift timings to ensure that employees are within the company premises before any possible trouble erupts in the region," said Ashish Gupta, chief operation officer, Evalueserve.

Some companies are using private taxis from Delhi to save their employees from getting stranded in the area, others are making their late night shift staff to stay the entire night to avoid any confrontation with miscreants.

"It is in the interest of employees that they do not venture out in the night. Arrangements for their stay have been made by the company," said Vipul Doshi, chief executive officer, Interglobe Technologies.

Some companies have also hired private buses.

Vertex, another BPO company, has made arrangements for the stay of its secretarial and other support staff till the situation becomes normal.

Companies were, however, more concerned about the collapse in telecommunication links and connectivity because of the unprecedented rains in Mumbai.

"We had to move our operations to our back-up centre in Chennai because of disruptions caused by flood in Mumbai," said a CEO of a business process outsourcing firm in the region.