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Hidden workers behind offshore outsourced online customer services are still suffering significant consequences inherited from colonial systems. The report is based on a review of 158 live-chat conversations between the online audience and two customer service agents based in Pakistan and outsourced by UK companies. This online chat platform was created and designed for the participatory art project 'How May I Serve You'. Analysis of the conversations demonstrated how outsourced companies survey employees chats and physical behaviours, threaten pay cut or dismissal, and demand that the agents lie about their identity. Further research is needed to identify practical solutions to enhance employees' working conditions when working in the online customer service industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to know whether bulk inflow of Non Emergency Calls (NECs) acts as an independent predictor for depression in call handlers of Rescue 1122, Punjab, Pakistan. Forty five (45) call handlers were recruited from evening shift of 9 districts. Similarly, same-sized control group was made out of field rescuers. The groups were compared for rate and severity level of depression using Beck's Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II; Beck, Steer, & Brown, 1996). Probable predictors (except workplace stress) for depression in call handlers were evaluated through risk estimates. For workplace stress, a purposefully developed closeended Workplace Stress Questionnaire including two subscales i.e. Non Emergency call and Control Room Environment of 30 items each was administrated. Twenty nine (64.4%) subjects of study group reported depression on BDI. Consequently, the same group had significantly higher mean depression score than control (18.2 vs. 12.6; p = .00). The scores also showed insignificant association with any of the probable predictors (demographic variables) of the call attendees. The respondents perceived more occupational stress against NECs. The findings attract the attention of authorities towards the severity of the concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]