MEDIA RELEASE
Mobile technology lifts productivity but lengthens working
hours for Australian employees
July
7, 2009 –
More than 80 per
cent of Australian workers
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 75 per
cent of respondents say the ability to work outside the office, yet remain in constant
contact, has been a positive development, even though approximately 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 13,000 in Australia.
Kelly Services Managing Director, James Bowmer, 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,” Mr. Bowmer said.
The phenomenon is being spearheaded by Gen Y (aged 18-29) employees who are
reaping greater productivity benefits than Gen X (aged 30-47) and baby boomers
(aged 48-65), and who are also more content with their work-life balance.
Among the key findings of the survey:
88 per cent say that they are ‘greatly attracted’ or ‘somewhat attracted’ by the
possibility of telecommuting, working from home or working remotely.
36 per cent say they are working longer hours due to new technologies, with
Gen X the most affected.
Gen X are the most attracted to the idea of telecommuting, working from
home and working remotely.
Gen Y are most happy with their work-life balance, and baby boomers the
least.
Even though the
productivity benefits from new technologies are greatest among
younger workers, all generations say that their efficiency has increased. A total of 57
per
cent say productivity is ‘much better’, and 25 per
cent say it is ‘slightly better’,
2
while four per
cent say productivity is lower, and 15 per
cent say it makes no
difference.
Mr Bowmer says few other recent developments have had a bigger impact on
employee engagement and personal productivity.
“There is a blurring of the line between work and personal life as employees integrate
information technology into their lives at many levels. Employers who use technology
to enhance working arrangements are also likely to reap productivity benefits and to
be seen as employers of choice,” Mr Bowmer said.
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, 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
Media contact:
Bob Bowden
Foresight Communications
02 9241 2811, 0412 753 298
bbowden@bowmac.com.au
NEWS 
