TORONTO--(Marketwire - June 24, 2009) - Almost 80 percent of Canadian respondents say
mobile communications technology such as smartphones and laptops have
boosted personal productivity and, for many, have transformed their
work-life balance, according to the latest findings from an international
workplace survey.
The survey, by global workforce solutions leader Kelly Services, finds that
76 percent of respondents say the ability to work outside the office, yet
remain in constant contact, has been a positive development, even though
almost a third are now working longer hours.
The Kelly Global Workforce Index obtained the views of nearly 100,000
people in 34 countries, including more than 7,000 in Canada.
Kelly Services VP and Managing Director of Canadian Operations, Karin
French, said that the explosion of mobile devices is helping to create a
much more flexible and adaptable workforce, and one that is more
productive.
"Many employees now have the capacity to work from home or away from the
office, at any hour of the day, and this is proving positive for
productivity and work-life balance. Even though some are working longer
hours, this is largely offset by the greater freedom and flexibility of the
virtual workplace," French says.
The productivity benefits are evident across all generations, with Gen Y
(aged 18-29), Gen X (aged 30-47), and baby boomers (aged 48-65) all
generating productivity gains from communications technologies.
Among the key findings of the survey:
-- 90 percent say that they are 'greatly attracted' or 'somewhat
attracted' by the possibility of telecommuting, working from home or
working remotely.
-- 32 percent say they are working longer hours due to new technologies,
with males and Gen X the most affected.
-- Gen X are the most attracted to the idea of telecommuting, working
from home and working remotely.
Across the generations, a total of 56 percent say productivity is 'much
better,' and 22 percent say it is 'slightly better,' while 3 percent say
productivity is lower, and 19 percent say it makes no difference.
"There is a blurring of the line between work and personal life as
employees are encouraged to integrate information technology into their
lives at many levels. Employers who use technology to enhance flexible
working arrangements may be more likely to reap the benefits of improved
productivity and to be seen as employers of choice," French concludes.
About the Kelly Global Workforce Index
The Kelly Global Workforce Index is a survey revealing opinions about work
and the workplace from a generational viewpoint. Results of the current
findings from across Kelly's global operations in North America, Europe,
and the Asia Pacific will be published throughout 2009 in a series of
releases.
About Kelly Services
Kelly Services, Inc. (
NASDAQ:
KELYA) (
NASDAQ:
KELYB) is a world leader in
workforce management services and human resources solutions, offering
temporary staffing services, outsourcing, vendor on-site and full-time
placement to clients on a global basis. Kelly provides employment to
nearly 650,000 employees annually, with skills including office services,
accounting, engineering, information technology, law, science, marketing,
creative services, light industrial, education, and health care. Revenue in
2008 was $5.5 billion. Visit
www.kellyservices.com
Contact Information: Media contact:
Kate Samson
(416) 646-4249
kate.samson@kellyservices.com
Judith Clark
(248) 244-4305
judith_clark@kellyservices.com