Influence of shift work on cognitive performance in male business process outsourcing employees

BACKGROUND: India is a front runner in IT industry. Business process outsourcing (BPO) sector is a major part of IT industry with around 4.5 million employees. These employees are subjected to high work stress, odd working hours, and frequent shift changes leading to increased physical and mental health problems. AIM: To study the cognitive functions in male BPO employees exposed to regular shifts. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Young BPO employees from various BPO companies of Bangalore were tested for cognitive functions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty male BPO employees exposed to regular shifts were assessed for various cognitive functions including tests for speed, attention, learning and memory, and executive function. They were compared with 50 non-BPO employees not working in shifts. Statistical analysis - Data was analysed by t-test and Mann-Whitney test using SPSS V.13.0. RESULTS: BPO employees performed poorly compared to their controls in tests for mental speed, learning and memory, and response inhibition. No changes were seen between groups in tests for attention and working memory. CONCLUSION: Cognitive functions are impaired in BPO employees exposed to regular shift changes.