TROY, MI--(Marketwire - June 25, 2009) - More than 70 percent of Americans surveyed 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
74 percent of respondents say the ability to work outside the office, yet
remain in constant contact, has been a positive development, even though
approximately one quarter are now working longer hours.
The Kelly Global Workforce Index obtained the views of nearly 100,000
people in 34 countries including more than 13,000 in the United States.
Kelly Services Executive Vice President and General Manager, Mike Webster,
says the explosion of mobile devices is helping to create a much more
flexible and adaptable workforce, and one that is more productive.
"With access to mobile technologies and the ability to work remotely,
people have not only become more productive but more engaged with their
work through the ability to stay connected anytime, anywhere. The virtual
workplace provides greater freedom and flexibility and despite working
longer hours, many employees are satisfied with their work-life balance,"
says Webster.
When asked about their present situation, 69 percent of U.S. respondents
say they are happy with the quality of their work-life balance, the second
highest of the 34 countries surveyed, and second only to Thailand.
The phenomenon is being spearheaded by employees from Gen Y (aged 18-29)
and Gen X (aged 30-47) who place a much greater emphasis on a sound
work-life balance than baby boomers (aged 48-65).
Key findings of the survey from across the US:
-- More respondents in the Northeast (30 percent) claim to be working
longer hours as a result of mobile communications technology, while those
in the Midwest and South (both 26 percent) are least affected.
-- Workers in the South are deriving the greatest productivity benefits
from the technology with 53 percent rating them as "much better."
-- Workers in the Midwest and South (both 70 percent) are most satisfied
with their current work-life balance and those in the West (68 percent) the
least.
Workers across all the generations say that their output has increased
through the new communications technology. A total of 48 percent say
productivity is 'much better,' and 25 percent say it is 'slightly better,'
while 2 percent say productivity is lower, and 24 percent say it makes no
difference.
The use of mobile communications technologies have become widespread across
the workforce and are driving major changes in the way people work and
their choice of employer. Webster says few other recent developments have
had a bigger impact on employee engagement and personal productivity.
"We are gradually seeing a blurring of the lines between work and personal
life as a result of the revolution in electronic communications, which is
having a positive effect on employee engagement and ultimately could impact
employment choices," Webster 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 six
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:
Judith Clark
Kelly Services
(248) 244-5362
judith_clark@kellyservices.com