Bangalore: With the high attrition rate in the information technology, ITES (information technology enabled services) and financial sectors continuing to be a cause for concern, companies are constantly on the lookout for ways to not only retain employees but also improve their efficiency.

Various approaches are being tried to help employees. One such approach launched from Bangalore is the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) of PPC Worldwide.

The programme provides "24/7" counselling support and information helplines to employees in all sectors in Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad. Employees of companies opting for PPC service can dial a toll-free number and benefit from telecounselling.

It is a confidential service, according to PPC Chief Executive Officer Carl Tisone, and the employee shares information only with the telecounsellor. The employer, who will be paying for the service, will not be given information.

PPC Chief Operating Officer Anna Oldman said: "As India continues to develop at a significant and impressive rate and increase its share of business from Western companies, it is inevitable that more and more challenges will confront the employer and the employee."

Referring to a survey, she said: "Ninety per cent of employees admit that during times of worry, their work is affected by an average of nearly 20 per cent and, in some cases, considerably more."

Dr. Oldman said nearly 35 per cent of telecounselling worldwide relates to work-related pressures. Telecounsellors address problems and talk employees out of depression or help them overcome other crises they may be going through.

S. Kalyanasundaram, a clinical psychologist, said surveys have revealed that demanding lifestyles, growth of nuclear families and lack of family support, mobility of workforce and increased consumerism are affecting workforce. Those who have signed up with PPC include Ness Technologies, Aspect Technology Centre and the British Government's Department for International Development.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail