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Necessary
health initiatives
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Compulsory annual health checkups
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Regular eye checkup camps
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Ergonomically designed furniturethe right kind of chairs (for
back problems), monitors and lights (eyes), keyboards (provided
with padding)
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Proper AC airflow, temperature, oxygen content, indoor plants
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Provide regular exercise facilities
HR
managers today have a new concern on their agendatackling health
issues of IT professionals. Though not yet a priority factor like
recruitment, retention or remuneration, experts believe that it
might become a major concern in the near future. Continuous usage
of computers is leading to ocular, orthopaedic, postural and even
neurological problems among IT pros. Adding to this is the mental
and psychological stress created by shorter project cycles and imbalances
between their professional and personal lives.
 Studies
by various international medical research institutes show that 80-90
percent of people who use computers regularly are likely to suffer
from vision and health problems. Another study conducted by the
Department of Human Factors Engineering, University of Occupational
and Environmental Health, Japan, showed that visual strain occurred
after 60 minutes of Video Display Terminal (VDT) task. An official
of HiTech Computer Corporation, the manufacturers of multi-layer
coated computer screen glass filter, says, “Inspite of being
at the helm of technology, majority of IT professionals are still
unaware of the potential health hazards of spending long hours in
front of the computer. Most of the users take it as a part of their
job and do nothing to alleviate the symptoms they might be experiencing.
Continuous exposure can lead to problems like eyestrain, soreness,
burning and red eyes, periodic blurred vision, headaches, contact
lens discomfort and glare sensitivity. The stress thus can lead
to discomfort, fatigue, tension, depression and irritability, apart
from low productivity and poor eyesight.” Agrees Dinesh K Joshi,
head-HR, Vedaris, who says that constant use of computers puts an
individual at risk, not only due to affects of radiation, but diseases
like spondylitis, heart problems and also obesity.
As
these health issues directly affects the productivity and efficiency
of employees, it has become a responsibility of the HR manager.
Most corporates realise the gravity of the problem, but very few
have taken concrete measures in this regard. It is understood that
only five to ten percent of Indian IT companies have taken initiatives
to ensure an ailment-free environment. The rest are still happy
providing “computer-friendly furniture” (with no set industry
standards), gym facility and availability of different health policies
under their “health initiatives”. Neither employers nor
employees are aware of the damage that wrong type of furniture and
peripherals can do.
According
to Pooja Agarwal, HR officer, TCS, “Though professionals are
aware of the problems, they focus only on the immediate. Which means
that they are not looking at problems which can arise five to ten
years down the line.” Dr EJ Sarma, CEO, Hurmist, says that
the same approach is followed while buying furniture. “Most
Indian IT companies do not pay attention to ergonomics while choosing
chairs, seating and lighting arrangements, with many companies not
even following the industry standard of designing workstations which
require a minimum of 50-60 square feet per individual.”
i-flex
solutions, Techspan, IT&T and Legato Systems are companies where
the top management have taken the responsibility of spreading health
consciousness among employees. “Workstations at i-flex solutions
are scientifically designed, taking into consideration the intensity
of light, height of the desks and right seating that supports a
good posture. The air conditioning is regulated depending on the
area, the amount of sunlight
and
the number of people on each floor to ensure a comfortable temperature,”
says R Vidyasagar, Head-Human Resources, i-flex solutions.
At
Techspan, health initiatives were started as an educative endeavour,
and has now taken the role of a movement. ‘Health weeks’
are organised every six months. It is also ensured that low-fat-low-salt-high-nutrition
meals are provided in the company cafe.
The
HR department at TCS started a “health campaign”, circulating
tips on the right kind of posture and institutionalising work breaks
(after every 20 minutes), it is also conducting research on the
radiation impact due to continuous usage of computers. Plans are
in the pipeline to conduct a ‘Health Mela’. Besides this,
the company is also planning to organise leadership workshops (consisting
of group leaders from different branches) which will help in creating
further awareness and sensitivity among line managers (who actually
deal with the developers and programmers). TCS has already started
installing anti-glare screens, which would soon be replicated in
its offices all over the country. At IT&T, Techspan and HCL
Infosystems also all PCs now have anti-glare screens.
Furthermore,
TCS is also in the process of setting up a gym and meditation facility,
which will help employees take a break from their stressful work
environment. HCL Infosystems is also planning to start stress management
lectures for employees. “Health is a key concern for our HR
department. We encourage people to do exercises and also conduct
stress management lectures for them,” says ML Taneja, vice
president-HRD, HCL Infosystems.
According
to Vaibhav, assistant manager-HR, IT&T, the company recently
took a major step by removing the board meant for keyboards and
made necessary changes in furniture designs. To ensure that productivity
is not affected due to health issues, the company also follows the
“break-out method”, that is taking two to three breaks
before lunch hour.
While
Vedaris has not done much on the awareness front, it is conscious
of providing the right kind of infrastructure for its employees.
The company has complied with workstation standards of 60-70 square
feet, soothing lighting, the right temperature and relaxation corners
(with couches).
It
is true that today most organisations are still to adopt health
as a key issue, however industry experts believe that within the
next six to eight months the scenario will change and the health
factor will become a major concern for the HR manager.
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