Kelly Services Says Technology Drives How We Work and Where We Work
TROY, MI--(Marketwire - June 24, 2009) - The explosion of mobile communications technology
is driving big changes in employee behavior and a shift in work-life
balance, with 84 percent of respondents saying technology has boosted their
personal productivity, according to the findings from an international
workplace survey.
The survey, by global workforce solutions leader Kelly Services, finds that
75 percent of respondents say the opportunity provided by devices such as
smartphones and laptops to remain in constant contact with work is a
positive development, even though approximately one third are working
longer hours. In deciding where to work, 87 percent of respondents say a
policy for working remotely is an important factor.
The ability for employees to work anywhere, at any time is a motivating
force behind improved employee engagement and a better balance between work
and personal life. The findings are part of the Kelly Global Workforce Index, which obtained
the views of approximately 100,000 people in 34 countries covering North
America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.
Kelly Services Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer George
Corona says the spread of mobile technologies is transforming the way that
people interact with their work and their attitudes towards employment.
"There is an overwhelming view that the technology provides greater
flexibility in working arrangements, and a better balance between work and
personal life," Corona says.
The survey shows that globally, Gen Y workers (aged 18-29), are at the
forefront of the technology-driven lift in productivity, but that Gen X
(aged 30-47) and baby boomers (aged 48-65) are each experiencing
significant efficiency gains.
Across the globe, 35 percent say that technology contributes to working
longer hours -- something that is evident across all generations. Yet, more
than half (55 percent) of respondents are happy with their current
work-life balance.
"The revolution in personal communications has improved work-life balance
through flexible work practices, working from home, and other
family-friendly arrangements, while delivering a significant boost to
organizational efficiency," Corona concludes.
For more information on the survey results, visit www.kellyservices.com.
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 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, 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.