'Sleep at your petrol pump!' HPCL tells staff
HPCL is under fire from its workforce over an order asking employees to work 48-hour shifts at fuel retail stations.
Implemented in February 2024, the policy states that employees staying at the fuel retail stations must share an update, including their pictures, every three hours through HPCL's purpose-built mobile phone app CX 48 Hours. Employees must eat, sleep, rest, take a bath and do everything else at the fuel station.
They are only allowed six hours of sleep every 24 hours. HPCL's policy states that it aims to "leverage insights gained during this experience to implement strategic improvements in customer service, operational efficiency, dealer engagement and enhance business performance, resulting in increased customer footfall, higher satisfaction scores, increased sales volumes, motivated dealers and strong loyalty to the HPCL brand."
HPCL employees describe this as a draconian measure. "Most fuel retail stations have toilets, but they are not very clean or well-maintained," says a company source.
"How can anyone take a bath there?" He asks how management thinks employees can realistically sleep on site. "Fuel dealer offices are compact, with hardly any space to sit, let alone sleep," he adds.
Worse, employees are banned from leaving the station during the 48 hours. "If employees go even 50 metres away from the retail station, they have to start the 48 hours again," we learn.
"Young males can try to do it, but what about female officers? How will they adjust (given safety concerns after dark)?" Responsible for the new policy is director marketing Amit Garg, who apparently wants employees to interact more with customers filling their tanks, discuss with dealers to enhance overall business, check adherence to safety norms, and analyse sales performance. "It is envisaged that the officer stays at the outlet to understand the gamut of activities," reads the policy.
Contacted for a comment, Rajeev Goel, HPCL executive director corporate communications, is yet to respond.