For almost the past two weeks, the major story being carried by local news organizations is the increased number of people who became HIV-positive, majority of which came from the contact center or BPO industry.  Since then, it has been the talk of the town and on blogs.  I have read some of them that put some new perspectives into the issue.  Having been in the industry since 2001, I couldn’t resist reacting on the said issue.  But before doing so, I did my own analysis on the subject and looked back on my own experiences (which are very, very, and i mean very limited when it comes to, well, office fornication) in the different call centers i’ve worked for.  And one main bottomline of it all is:  it’s a numbers game.  And call centers tend to have the most numbers.

 

First off, sex in the workplace–or rather sex with co-workers–is nothing new.  Eventually, it happens.  Maybe not to everyone, but there will always be a percentage of the workforce in whatever industry who will anonymously admit that they have slept with one or a few co-workers.  But, most of that action will definitely come from the people in the contact center industry.  Statistics show that there are more people ages 23-35 working in contact centers than in the banking and manufacturing sectors.  And of course, people in that age group have relatively raging hormones.  That, plus the rigors of the night shift, stress, and–let’s face it–good looks, will eventually lead to getting it on.  Believe it or not, i’m not that part of that group, which honestly, sucks.  With all the things i’ve witnessed and heard stories of (s)excapades in the four call centers i’ve been in, i’m beginning to question why I haven’t been part of the action.  Or am I hanging out with the wrong crowd?  Moving forward, I’ll either be more receptive or more aggressive… hahahaha!!

 

Secondly, medical check-ups or examinations.  The only reason the Department of Health’s (DOH) report that majority of the new HIV-positive people came from the contact center industry is because there are more employees working there who regularly undergo annual medical check-ups than any other industry.  Because let’s face it:  working night shifts is no joke and these companies take good care of their employees when it comes to their health.  I’m not saying that other industries don’t have medical check-ups, they do.  Pre-employment and… uh… er… I guess whenever they feel like it.  But if these other companies diligently have their own annual (at least) medical examinations, those figures would definitely increase as well.  Medical coverage in contact centers is by far, the best one among other industries.  I mean, where else can one get HMO coverage upon hire?  Sales?  Banking?  You have to wait at least three months (mostly six) before you can get medical coverage.

 

Having spent nearly 10 years in the contact center industry, does the report bother me?  Not one bit.  Neither was I surprised.  In the end, it’s all up to the person and his or her responsibility to protect themselves from contracting the disease.  Is it also a moral issue?  I don’t think so.  I was actually waiting for the Catholic Church to react to that report saying that our moral fiber has deteriorated, hence the increased number of people positive for HIV, but good thing they did not.  And hopefully they won’t.  The last thing we need here is another trumpet-type-preaching by the church on how immorality is ruining our lives.  And i’m saying that with the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary right beside me.  Related to this, that is why I am supporting the Reproductive Health (except for any that leads to planned abortion) bill that is still pending in Congress.  What we need is increased awareness in promoting safe sex.  It is an added alternative to the age-old teaching of abstinence of sex until marriage.  Awareness gives people choices.  This is definitely one number we should increase.

 

As for me, well, that’s why I always have a three-pack ready wherever I go…  except to Sunday mass, of course.  Stay safe!