With the speed and complexity of today’s Filipino lifestyle, similar to the rapidly moving and pressure-filled society of other first world countries, Filipinos have joined other dynamic workforce in adopting the 24/7 lifestyle. Rush hours now end much later in the evening as more corporate workers opt to clock out from work late and stay out later. Office hours are no longer relegated to nine to five, especially with the growth of the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector, and other emerging high-speed businesses.
Edsa Central Greenfield District is one evolving district to recognize the diverse needs of this thriving sector. Part of Greenfield Development Corporation (GDC) recent redevelopment and expansion includes offices, residential and more retail zone. Many food establishments, restaurants and convenience stores in the area see the need to operate 24 hours to cater to the shifting schedules of BPO employees and night shift workers who lead increasingly hectic lives.
Noted as one of the flourishing industries in the country today, the BPO and call center industry experienced about 50 to 60 percent growth rate in 2006 and generated about 240,000 jobs in the same year. It is expected to employ about 921,000 until 2010.
Many, most especially new graduates are lured by the promises of higher than the standard salaries and rapid career advancement in most BPO companies. “This business is currently in its growth stage, there are a lot of promises in terms of career growth and personal development,” attests Dranreb, a call center employee at IBM Daksh. “I believe the industry provides challenging job for everyone.”
The downside is they have to adjust to a different work schedule as most of them follow the working hours of America or Europe. “Night shift is very difficult,” shares another IBM employee Jon Macasaet. “Our body clocks have to adjust to our shifting work schedule.”
Most of the time, it’s just work and rest for these corporate night owls, with sleep as their only form of leisure. “There’s no time to socialize. Our only gimmick is rest,” affirms Anna Esteban, also from IBM.
Edsa Central Greenfield District is going the extra mile to meet the unique demands of this evolving market. In fact, BPO and call center companies such as Teleperformance, IBM-Daksh and OSRP located in Greenfield District benefit from the convenience of the new extended store hours of retail and dining outlets, specialty stores and service establishments that operate beyond regular schedule to cater to their needs. And more merchants and new developments are underway.
Starbucks Coffee, a favorite among call center employees and busy workers, is one of the Greenfield District establishments operating 24 hours on weekdays to cater to customers who want their fresh brew anytime of the day and night. “Our extended hours allow them to visit the store during their breaks or at any hour most convenient for them,” said Starbucks Edsa Central store manager Roldan So.