There are times when you need to take a break from your career. Your career break may be due to one of the following reasons:

• Family problems
• Health/Personal problems
• Pregnancy and starting a family

Whatever your reason was for taking a break from your career, getting back to it can be quite hard - even if you are ready. The usual problem is that people who left their job for quite some time feel a sense of insecurity which stems from being “out of the game” for a length of time. And when they do find a job, they do not get the compensation they feel they deserve.

For people who want to get their careers back on track, here are some useful tips:

Create a to-do list

For your “workingg self”. Having a list of things to do helps you gain confidence during the job-hunting phase. When you finally land a job that you want, you already have you list at hand.

Be updated

Know what has been happening in your field. Read profiles of the field you want to get into and take not of how things have changed throughout the years. This is especially important during your interviews. It is important that you are well-informed about your choses field or industry. It will show the management that you really want and are serious about getting the job.

Find a well-matched job

The key here is to make your first job relevant to the career path you are going to take. Your first “come back” job should be well suited to your skills and needs. Do not sell yourself short by the first one that offered or accepted you. This will make it easier for you to adjust to working again.

It is not easy to get your career back on track. What with the ever growing competition and the constantly changing trends in the workplace. The main thing is to have a positive attitude and be confident. Focus on your strengths. Be prepared. Before long, employers will be taking notice of your potential.

As our job market revolves, more and more jobs are geared “towards a 27/7 kind of economy” says Mark Rosekind, PhD, president and chief scientist of Alertness Solutions. Thus, more “shifting” is required. And when you get that night shift, it takes a lot more effort to focus on your job.

Take for instance, the case of one airport baggage screener who works a midnight-to-8am shift. He says he loves the flexibility of being able to take care of his son when during his off. However, he admits that his energy and alertness have suffered as a result. At work, although he puts in his best effort, he tends to feel more irritable, looks forward to his break more often, and tries to get passengers through the line at a faster rate. “I guess the quantity of work that a person can do during those hours is less.”

The National Sleep Foundation reports that 22 million Americans share the plight of this our airport baggage screener. This is due to the aforementioned shift towards a 24/7 economy. More jobs nowadays require ’round-the-clock attention. Now it’s not just the law enforcement jobs, health care, energy, and manufacturing who have rotating schedules. Now industries such as retail, banking, information technology, and the media all require ’round-the-clock attention and rotating schedules. The National Sleep Foundation took a poll and the results say that half of American employees report that sleepiness on the job interferes with their performance at work. Twenty-six percent would nap during work breaks if their company allowed naps. To add to that, the line between work and home is blurring. Fifty-eight percent bring work home at night to complete. On the other hand, those who work long hours report greater impatience, lower productivity, and difficulty concentrating.

Experts say that shift workers are often the most affected by sleep problems. Their biological clocks are confused. When they try to get some sleep while everyone else is awake and active, they can get disturbed by house noises such as phone calls, kids at home, or a ringing doorbell, as well as neighborhood noises,

Dr. Meir Kryger, professor of medicine at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada, says people who don’t get enough sleep can exhibit the following symptoms:

• Frequent sleepiness
• Nodding off at meetings or while driving
• Difficulty with concentration
• Lapses in memory
• Poor performance, worse than usual
• Mood changes, such as being more snappy and irritable

These symptoms, when brought to work, can have mild to grave consequences, depending on the job. “If you’re sitting around and you’re at a computer, it’s not a big deal, but if you’re operating a motor vehicle, it is a big deal,” says Kryger.

For people who think they might have a sleep problem, here are some suggested first steps of action from Kryger and Rosekind:

• consult your doctor if you have sleep problems and ask how it can be treated.
• Be well informed regarding sleep issues and slee disorders. Peruse sleep diaries and other resources in websited of some respectable organizations such as American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and the National Sleep Foundation (NSF).
• Task your doctor to refer you to a sleep specialist. Or you can do your own research at the AASM web site
• Evaluate out your priorities. How important is doing shift work for you?
• Explore your own workplace options. Try talking with your supervisor or your union if there are other jobs that you can take during the daytime.

The AASM reports at least 84 sleep disorders. Shift work is only one of the problems related to sleepr that concerns employees and their employers. (source:http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/sleep-deprivation-workplace?page=2)

It’s never too early to start thinking about your future. For teens, here are some useful tips for your future career:

• Finish high school. High school drop outs have more difficulty finding jobs and tend to have lower salaries throughout their careers. Plus, nearly all jobs require basic math and communication skills.

• Continue your educations. Normally, the more education you get, the higher your salary. This means that high school graduates earn more than high school drop outs. Those who receive some form of post-secondary education earn more than high school graduates. Those who receive a bachelor’s degree (or higher) earn more than those who received less education.
• Research career information. You might be surprised at how many jobs are out there. Some teens have trouble choosing careers that is perfect for them. A little research can be extremely helpful. You might find the perfect job for you which you never knew existed. And it can result in dividends throughout your life.
• Plan your career. A sizable chunk of your life will be spent working (like it or not), so plan ahead. Research on information about jobs with favorable career prospects , high salary and other aspects that are important to you. A solid career path can affect future career prospects more than the education you receive. For instance, there are several good opportunities for those who did not receive a college education but mastered a sought after skill or craft.
• Learn basic computer skills. Almost all jobs require at least basic knowledge in computer. So regardless of whether you continue your education after highschool, you will need to at least have minimal computer skills.
• Value your personal interests and abilities. Do not pursue a career just because it’s competitive or it’s the trend. If your not interested in or are not skilled at a particular job, then do not go for it. Go where your skills and interests can be utilized and honed. Just be prepared for the challenges ahead. There will always be challenges no matter what career you choose.
• Learn how to conduct a good job search and develop a résumé. Regardless of what you do after high school, you will have to market your skills to get a job. Help you go through the job hunting process, learn about (the current) résumé preparation and job hunting techniques. It is reported that by age 32, workers average more that 8 different jobs. Be prepared for job changes - nay career changes - until you find the perfect one.
• Gain experience early. Part-time jobs, internships and volunteer work are some ways where you can get work experience. These opportunities help you make smarter career decisions, plus they may help you get hired after (or even before) graduation. Remember that employers value work experience.
• Keep learning. Just because you finished high school or college doesn’t mean you have to stop learning. The workplace changes rapidly. Thus you have to stay relevant and an asset to your employer. To do this take some time to learn new skills, or upgrade the ones you already have.

More and more and companies are becoming increasingly observant of their employees. They mostly monitor communication and activities on the job. The American Management Association (AMA) reports that in a 2005 survery, companies continue to record and review the said two. This monitoring includes checking:

• phone calls
• e-mail messages
• Internet connections
• computer files

This is mostly due to the increase in available to technology to employees, including e-mail and advanced online capabilities.

This monitoring is not limited to watching employees online. 51 percent of companies say they participate in video surveillance for security purposes. 31 percent admit to monitoring their employees’ outgoing phone numbers. 53 percent companies also practice the use of key cards for employees to access their jobs.

Here are some important statistics:

• Of the companies that monitor employee behavior 80 percent notify employees of this activity
• Employers have policies monitoring abuse of the following
  • personal e-mail - 81 percent
  • personal instant messenger use - 42 percent
  • operation of personal Web sites during office hourse- 34 percent
  • personal postings on corporate blogs - 23 percent
  • operation of personal blogs during office hours - 20 percent
• Companies are steadily becoming strict in implementing their policies.
  • 26 percent say they have fired workers for internet misuse
  • 25 percent say they have terminated employees for for e-mail misuse

There are mixed opinions about these monitoring policies. Some groups feel that this is a violation of employees’ rights to privacy. Organizations such as Workplace Fairness and Privacy Rights Clearinghouse are working to have legislation that protects employees’ rights to privacy in the workplace. Companies on the other hand feel that since the equipment belongs to and are operated by them, employees must comply to company policies with regards use of technology and other office equipment.

To help you with this, here are some tips that you might find useful:

Review your company’s handbook

All companies hava a set of rules and regulations and guidelines about what are and what are not acceptable. You should be given a copy of this once you become an employee of your company. If you are newly hired, your HR department should inform you about them. If you have forgotten about them, it is a good time to review your company policies.

Don’t use company e-mail for private messages

Do not use your company e-mail to forward jokes or other stuff to your colleagues or friends. Your company’s network administration monitors all incoming and outgoing e-mails. If this seems like a violation of your privacy, experts say that if your e-mail system is owned by your employer, your company has right to review its contents.

Always assume your messages will be shared with others

Admittedly, it’s fairly easy to click on “Forward” rather than “Reply” and send your messages to others. And it’s not uncommon to even accidentally hit the “Send to All” button, which can result to some very embarrassing situations. If your message is meant to be private, call the intended recipient instead of using e-mail.

Keep your passwords private

Just imagine if people (even one or two) know your password, they can access your computer when you are not in the office. If you have not memorized your password, keep it in a secure place where only you can find it.

Stay off sensitive Web sites while at work

Your network admin always knows which sites you visit. Every time you visit a site, you leave an electronic finger print. Not to mention that your computer screen can be viewed by colleagues or managers who pass by your work area. Some websites and online activities such as credit management sites, managing your bank account online (not to mention shopping for things like lingerie) can make you (or what you are viewing in your monitor) the topic of conversation in your office.

Turn off your computer

Every time you leave your desk, make sure you turn-off, or at least lock your computer. Just like having other people know your password, anyone can use your computer. They can click on your navigation bar and see what websites you have visited. And worse, if you happen to leave your email open, they can read your mail, and send a message under your name.

Pay your bills at home

The company mailroom is not the place for your bills to be. Your credit card bills, or size of your mortgage are some things your colleagues need not know about.

Keep your paycheck away from wandering eyes

Paychecks should be kept private. When colleagues see each others paycheck, they tend to compare salaries and can lead to some issues. Do not leave your paychecks lying around. A colleagues might find it and share the amount with your other colleagues.

Report to work on time

Some companies have security key card systems that allows you access to your building. Through these key guards, management would know what time you came in and reported for work. They also have surveillance cameras which also monitor (and record) whereabouts, your time of arrival and departure.

Don’t use a company-issued credit card for personal purchases

Sales representatives and other executives are given credit cards for business-incurred expenses (supposedly). Using your company-issued credit cards to buy personal items would let the accounting people know a lot of things about you, like say, your cup-size. So if you want to keep those things private, use your personal credit card to buy personal items.

Not all of us are privileged enough to earn a college degree, but that does not mean you cannot have a financially-stable career. There are several jobs available that only require a high school diploma, or even a GED (a high school equivalency degree). All you need to do is to learn the skills needed for these jobs either through on-the-job training or through vocational schools.

Cashiers - The responsibilities of a cashier involve adding the bills for the customers, receiving money and giving change to the customers, filling out charge forms, and giving receipts. Employers usually require a high school diploma for this type of job.

Chef or cooks - Any job involved in the kitchen, including cooks and food preparation workers, are very much needed in the growing food service industry. Fast-food or short-order cooks and food preparation workers do not need much education or training because their skills are learned on the job. Those who aspire to become cooks should undergo vocational training, while those who want to become chefs must complete a formal training program.

Cosmetologists - This applies to beauty experts who can perform one or several skills including manicure, haircutting, hairstyling, and make-up application. Before working as a hairstylist or cosmetologist, you need to be licensed by the state where you want to work. To be a licensed hairstylist, you must have graduated from a state-licensed barber or cosmetology school and be at least 16 years old. Some states require high school graduates, while others require as little as an eighth grade education.

Human resource assistants - HR assistants maintain personal records of an organization’s employees. Most companies require applicants to have a high school diploma or its equivalent, and training usually takes place on the job.

Occupational therapist aides - They work under the supervision of occupational therapists or occupational therapist assistants, preparing materials and equipment to be used during treatment. Occupational therapist aides also perform clerical duties. They usually receive most of their training on the job.

Physical therapist aides - Just like OT aides, PT aides work under the supervision of occupational therapists or their assistants. They also help make therapy session productive. Physical therapy aides must have at least a high school diploma, and most employers provide on-the-job training.

Retail salespeople - A retail salesperson helps customers find what they are looking for in the store and try to interest them in buying certain merchandises. There are no formal educational requirements for this job, but many employers prefer a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Travel agents - To become a travel agent, you must have at least a high school diploma or the equivalent. Computer skills are also needed, as well as the ability to learn its specialized training.

Workplace etiquette dictates that it is impolite to talk about religion. However, with more and more offices becoming culturally and religiously diverse, more often than not you have an colleague whose religion is different from yours. And when you work closely with them, it is natural to be curious about different practices.

So instead of asking too much, it would be better if you research about other religions first. Here are some basic facts.

Different religions dress differently

Although the Koran does not prescribe a dress, Islam calls for modesty. This is why many Muslim women cover their hair, neck, and ears using a veil, while others would go beyond that and cover their entire body. Meanwhile, Muslim men are also expected to dress simply, without the use of flashy colors, luxurious fabrics like silk, and gold chains. The male Sikhs are expected to wear turbans, and Jewish men may wear yarmulkes (or skullcaps). Catholics and Christians of many denominations may wear a cross as a symbol of their faith.

Different religions pray differently

Muslims are advised to pray five times a day for about 10 minutes each time. They kneel on prayer rugs and must face the direction of Mecca, Islam’s most sacred city. Some Muslims use a closed room for privacy, while others seek a secluded corner of the workplace. Meanwhile, some Catholics still pray the Angelus during noon and at dusk.

Different religions have their respective holy days

Many Christians consider Easter Sunday, as the most important holiday of the year. On Ash Wednesday, which is held 40 days before Good Friday, the faithful have their foreheads marked with ashes. Meanwhile, Jews celebrate an important holiday called Passover, which usually coincides with Easter. This eight-day holiday marks the exodus and freedom of the Israelites from Egypt.

The ninth month of the Muslim calendar, Ramadan, is considered holy among followers of Islam. This is the time when they practice fasting for the entire month, in which they eat and drink nothing (including water) from sunrise to sunset. Ramadan ends with the festival of Eid al-Fitr (”Breaking of Fast”). If your office wants to be considerate towards your Muslim colleagues, try not to hold special events or bring special goodies during this month. They won’t participate, which would dampen workplace relations.

For Hindus, their most important holiday is the five-day observance of Dival or “Festival of Lights.” Hindus celebrate this occasion differently, depending on what part of India they are from. The common factor here is that this is the time when they clean their entire house and illuminate every room. This marks new beginnings in both personal and business relationships.

On a regular week, Muslims consider Friday as a holy day when they congregate at a mosque to pray, just like how Christians visit the church on a Sunday.

Different religions have different diets

You may have noticed some of your workmates have different eating habits or rituals. For instance, Jewish people do not eat any leavened products like bread or pasta during Passover. They also make sure that their food is “kosher,” or complies with laws set forth in the Torah. Some Christians, meanwhile, tend to pray before eating. This is their way of thanking God for the bounty that they are about to receive.

Meanwhile, Mormons do not drink any caffeinated drinks, including coffee, tea, and cola, because their church prohibits caffeine. Hindus do not eat beef because cows considered sacred, and instead would eat lamb and chicken as their meat. Some Buddhists do not eat meat, but others do depending on their interpretation of Buddhism. Muslims do not eat pork or drink alcohol.

In this case, you need to be very considerate when going out with your colleagues of different religions for lunch.

Different religions have different practices

Do not castigate your Jewish or Seventh-Day Adventist workmates when they tend to leave early on a Friday. They may leave work in observance of the Sabbath. Meanwhile, colleagues under Jehovah’s Witnesses would insist not to have birthday parties for them. They believe such parties are considered as glorification of the individual, rather than the Creator. And Christian Scientists would insist not to receive medication when they get sick. They believe the power of prayer would cure illnesses.

If you are Muslim and you work in a workplace where most are Christians, or a Jew invited to the company’s “pork roast picnic,” satisfying your religious obligations and your office duties can be a difficult balance.

Federal laws in the United States mandates that employers should accommodate religious practices of their employees at the least cost to the employer, whose only duty is to provide a reasonable accommodation without undue hardship. This means that it is best for the company to accommodate the employees’ religious beliefs, but not to the point that it establishes or favors one’s religion over the other. However, this is not the case for most employers.

Employers are skittish over this issue, that they actually panic about religion. Companies are so scared to endorse religion, they do not even talk about it. Their concern lies of the fear that they may be branded as selective or, worse, discriminatory. For instance, if an employer allows its Muslim workers to take several breaks to pray (around 3 at most), Catholic workers may request for taking a break to pray the Angelus at noon. And if the employer allows that, other denominations would request that their religious needs be accommodated as well, but doing so may decrease production.

However, if you insist on having your religious beliefs be accommodated, try following these tips.

Be proactive, but don’t be combative - Ask your employer for accommodation without threatening a lawsuit. Provide a proposal that does not cost anything and does not cause undue hardship on the part of the employer. Reassure your employer and your fellow workers that you are not trying to convert them, and instead want them to be sensitive to your religious needs. In return, you need to be sensitive to them and assure them you will get your work done. For instance, a Muslim who seeks prayer time during work hours or a Jew needing time off for Sabbath could offer to work later or on a Christian holiday.

Be flexible - Prove to your employer that you have taken a thoughtful approach to your situation. A Muslim prayer room, for instance, should be free from shoes. To avoid disturbing other workers, as well as to avoid getting disturbed while praying, a separate room such as the supply room may be used to pray provided that a sign be placed on the door while praying, and by providing a prayer rug that becomes a required clean place to pray. Bringing appropriate foods to a company outing is another solution, avoiding foods that would not follow Halal or Kosher rules.

Teach your religion reasonably - It is sometimes necessary to educate your supervisors or HR personnel about religious requests. Many people, especially Americans, have a vague or stereotypical understanding of Sikhs or Orthodox Jews. Teaching them about your religious requests should be done in a reasonable and friendly manner.

Do not compromise your beliefs - Take a clear stand. If you are deep in your religion, put your faith ahead of your career. If your company is not willing to accommodate you, you need to think about may not working there. At best, you need to raise religious concerns during the interview stage. If you do not like what you hear while asking for religious accommodation at this point, you may want to go elsewhere.

Unless your goal is to get fired, there are some things you just can’t say to your boss no matter what. You will never know what your words can make you look like to your superior. He/She may think you are lazy, disrespectful or careless. Thus, ruining your chances of getting a promotion.

Here are somethings that employers say they hate to hear from their employees:

• “I really need to talk to you, it’s important.” Your boss does not have the time to attend to every little thing in your work place. If what you need to tell him/her is really important, tell your boss what it is regarding first.

• “I don’t need anyone to teach me.” While it is admirable in an employee to be knowledgeable in a lot of things, it is annoying to think that you know all there is to know.

• “I don’t understand.” On the other side of the coin, while it is perfectly normal to not know everything at the beginning (and it is because of this that training is a standard in almost all companies), constantly and continually needing to be instructed on how to do a task is not acceptable.

• “Could you repeat that?” This is okay if it only happens once or twice. But if you ask your boss to repeat him/herself continually, then you will come across as inattentive and does not care about or does not respect what he/she has to say.

• “I just never got around to it.” This time, it’s not much about what you said but more of what you did – or did not do. Do not overcommit if you know you will not be able to follow through – you will come across (or actually be known for being) unreliable. It will reflect badly on you – especially during evaluation time.

• “That’s not in my job description.” Today’s work place is more dynamic and fast-paced than ever before. Thus, if your boss asks you to do a task that is not usually part of your daily duties, do not say that it is not your job to do that. As long as it has something to do with your workplace, you should pitch-in and do your part.

• “Don’t blame me — it’s not my fault.” Trying to maneuver the blame away from you and pointing at other peeople not only makes you appear unreliable and irresponsible but also shoddy and deceptive.

• “Can you tell so-and-so to shut off that annoying music?” Petty problems such as this one is no longer your boss’ concern. You should be able to work things as small as this out with your co-worker. You can ask your boss for advise if you cannot solve some issues with your co-worker, but do not expect him/her to fix everything for you.

• “Yeah, right. I have a family. I’m going home.” Yes you have a family. But some people have families too and they still put in over-time at work. A little over-time once in a while is common – even a standard – most companies. Before you speak up and complain, know first your company’s over-time policy.

• “Get yourself a slave.” Even if it;s your last day at work. Never ever say this to a supervisor. You never know what (former)boss will say to your next employer once they ask him/her about you. Bosses can be good professional references so don’t leave your former job in a huff.

The key here is, if you have complaints, from your workload right down to your squeaky chair, it is up to you take the first step towards change. Just remember that there is a better way to voice out your concerns and work things out other than complaining.

Like any average mortal, you have bills to pay and mouths to feed. You have been working like crazy. You feel perhaps it’s time to have a nice pleasant chat your boss. But before you say the R-word, you have to be armed and ready.

First, evaluate your worth. List down all your accomplishments, skills and contributions to your team and the company.

Second, arm yourself with the knowledge of what a normal raise is for a person at your level (your experience and your work).

Third, and perhaps the most crucial, assess your superior’s mood. Does he look like he’s going to consider your request?

Fourth, choose an appropriate time to meet with your boss. Make an appointment or inquire if he has a few minutes to spare. It is advisable to plan your meeting towards the end of the day.

Fifth, haggling with a storekeeper, state a higher amount than what you actually want. Say you want a 10% increase when you are actually okay with 7%.

Sixth, be realistic. It is only reasonable for you to accept (of course, that is if you really are deserving) a raise that is lower than what you requested if, say, your company is going through some hard times.

Seventh, are you willing to consider other options other than money? For example, a supplement in perks, time off, flextime or vacation. You can always negotiate.

Eighth, you have to have a contigency plan, just in case your boss turns you down. Do not go down easily. Consult your plan and regroup.

(source:eHow.com)

In my few years as part of the work force, I have had my fair share of job huntings and going to interviews in various industries. During interviews, I have witnessed the striking difference in dress codes in, let’s say, banks and other coporate businesses and BPOs or Busniness Process Outsourcing.

Difference in Dressing
Less than a year ago, I was part of a big company. Naturally, the dress code is strictly business. But we were (and I was very happy that we had toinkthis) allowed to wear casual on Fridays. Thus, the term “casual Fridays”, where everyone will be in business casual - slacks and polo-shirt, jeans and collared shirts. Closed-flats or open-toed heels, loafers or presentable rubber shoes.

After my stint in the corporate industry, I went job hunting again. I submitted my CV to various industries where I feel, my degree in Communications will be utilized and honed, including media and of course BPOs. I attended interviews for a couple of call centers. I noticed that some of the interviewees were wearing jeans and t-shirts. My initial thought was “Should’ve known that’s allowed, then I wouldn’t be sweating in my long-sleeved blouse, slacks and heels”, followed immediately by “Woah..,they allow applicants to come in jeans for interviews? Hmm…that’s fairly… Comfy”. And so, one question came to mind: Do dress codes make a difference in the quality of service of BPOs? I found an article regarding this issue. According to the article, there are some factors to consider before we can come up with a verdict.

Factors to consider
Brand or Image that is represented. If let’s say, the company is an international conglomerate, a financial services firm or the like, they might not want their agents or CSRs wearing slippers or cargo shorts. On the other hand, the aforementioned attire might work for, say, a tavel company. According to the article, there is a subtle, but real connection the agents/CSRs make between their work attire and the brand they represent.

Is there a connection between dress and behavior? The writer of the article tells the story of a QA who switched from wearing corporate to casual clothes. Before she switched clothes, the QA never used profane or inappropriate language. The month the CSRs were allowed to wear casually, casual conversations were being heard which included street language that are innapropriate for business conversations. While the company did not choose to return to corporate dress code, they did have to be more strict about the dress code and the QA reigns to get professionalism back on course. “Does this mean it’s impossible for CSRs who dress casually to be “corporate” on the phone? No, they can do it - but it’ll probably be a tougher road to hoe on the old QA sojourn.”*

On-going policy management. The writer of the article also shares this story of some of managers of the company where he works. The managers were expressing their desire to go casual, but admitted that managing “casual days” required a frustrating amount of energy. Some of the CSRs would show up for work wearing casual that is, well, too casual. So casual that it became a distraction for everyone at work - e.g. showing too much skin. Of course the managers would have to address these issues, even send CSRs home to change, ” have long internal discussions about what was appropriate and then communicate this to the front-line (you can imagine the time spent in numerous meetings to accomplish this). I remember one call center I used to visit that contained big posters with pictures cut out of catalogs and magazines to show CSRs what was appropriate and inappropriate. Is this good or bad? All I’m saying is that call centers who have a corporate or strict business-casual policy don’t seem to have as many of these distracting issues. “have long internal discussions about what was appropriate and then communicate this to the front-line (you can imagine the time spent in numerous meetings to accomplish this). I remember one call center I used to visit that contained big posters with pictures cut out of catalogs and magazines to show CSRs what was appropriate and inappropriate. Is this good or bad? All I’m saying is that call centers who have a corporate or strict business-casual policy don’t seem to have as many of these distracting issues.”*

Bottomline, what work for one call center or BPO, may not work for another. “What works for the Party-Time Cruise Line call center probably won’t be the same as what works for the First International Finance Bank call center.”*

(source:http://www.qaqna.com/2007/02/dress_code_in_t.html)