Although not directly to do with libraries, this story is something that hits close to home personally.

We’re stressing Indian callers is a story in Queensland’s Sunday Mail newspaper, which outlines the stress and burnout that workers in Indian call centres are experiencing from their encounters with Australian callees.

Having been the recipient of many of these calls, I can relate to the frustrations listed. Add the Indian accent to a poor line (which is what calls come in on), hungry stomach (they call at dinner time) and no desire for the product and I more often than not, hang up with just a quick, curt, “no thanks”. I agree that there is no need for abuse, as these callers are just doing their jobs, but on the other hand, the frustration is happening on both ends of the line.

I don’t know what the solution is. Maybe the government or the telcos sets up a facility for us to be able block these sorts of calls, whether from Australia or overseas. When someone comes up with a reasonable solution, I’ll be interested.

In the meantime, whilst I am sympathetic to the stress levels of these call centre employees, I have to protect my stomach, my family and my hearing, so I will continue to say “no thanks” and hang up as politely as I am able, considering its dinner time in a house with young children.

Love to hear your thoughts on this.