The Hindu Business Line : BPO redefining rules of building design in Mumbai

As the demand for buildings with swanky ambience rises, Mumbai's suburbs seem to be getting ready to take the spaces of Gurgaon and Bangalore, head-on.

The decor of these buildings rivals the best in the world. Many of these buildings have carpet area in excess of 50,000 sq ft per floor. High ceiling, structural-column free space, and latest communication infrastructure are a must.

The mandatory specifications include fire-retardant halogen free electrical wires; exit doors with panic bars, alternative power and telecom backup. The workstations are ergonomically designed while the frills include 24X7 cafeterias, gymnasium and relaxation rooms. A minimum 30 sq ft space per person is a given and air-conditioning is such that the employees do not feel too cold.

BPO/call centre is primarily a high stress and labour intensive business that takes a toll on the health of the staff. The attrition rate in this sector is very high and companies constantly think up new strategies to retain employees.

Says Mr Deepak Bhagchandaney, Director, Spanco Telesystems, "In a call centre or a BPO office, all amenities and infrastructure are employee-centric. If employees are not happy in their work place then the quality of work gets affected. It will lead to attrition and high attrition will lead to a downturn in business."

Big-ticket construction companies such as the Hiranandani Group have set up business parks in suburbs like Powai to attract BPO/call centre companies as also IT firms. Over 90 corporate offices are already functioning out of these parks.

The Hiranandani Group has leased or sold more than one million sq ft of commercial space till date and an equal size is under development. Mr Surendra Hiranandani, Managing Director of Group, said: "The demand for BPO buildings will grow at least for next three to five years. The primary requirement here is flexibility in design and large open spaces to function."

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