New technology boosts productivity and flexibility for Indian employees

June 30, 2009 – More than 90 percent of Indian 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 83 percent of respondents say the ability to work outside the office, yet remain in constant contact, has been a positive development, even though half are now working longer hours.

The Kelly Global Workforce Index obtained the views of nearly 100,000 people in 34 countries including approximately 5,000 in India.

Mr.Dhiren Shantilal – Sr. Vice President APAC, Kelly Services, 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,” Dhiren says.

The phenomenon is being spearheaded by Gen Y (aged 18-29) employees who place a much higher priority on a sound work-life balance than Gen X (aged 30-47) and baby boomers (aged 48-65).

Among the key findings of the survey:

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88 percent say they are ‘greatly attracted’ or ‘somewhat attracted’ by the possibility of telecommuting, working from home or working remotely.
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50 percent say they are working longer hours due to new technologies, with males and baby boomers the most affected.
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Gen X are the most attracted to the idea of telecommuting, working from home and working remotely.
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Gen Y are most happy with their work-life balance, and baby boomers the least.

The productivity benefits from new technologies are being generated across all the generations. A total of 72 percent say productivity is ‘much better’, and 20 percent say it is ‘slightly better’, while 3 percent say productivity is lower, and 6 percent say it makes no difference.

Mr.Shantilal 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 are integrating 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,” Dhiren 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, 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

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