According to Foresight Communications more than 80 per cent of Australian workers say mobile communications technology such as smartphones and laptops has boosted personal productivity and, for many, has 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.
“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:
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88 per cent say that they are ‘greatly attracted’ or ‘somewhat attracted’ by the possibility of telecommuting, working from home or working remotely.
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36 per cent say they are working longer hours due to new technologies, with Gen X 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.
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’, 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.
This reinforces the results of the research from leading social researchers from the Australian National University, the University of New England and the University of New South Wales which found that only 3% of people reported that the mobile phone had a negative impact on their work-life balance.
The project – part of an Australian Research Council Linkage Grant connecting researchers and the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA), the peak industry body for the mobile telecommunications industry – examined the social impact of mobile technologies at home and work. It collected nationally representative data between March and May 2007 from a sample of 1358 individuals from 845 on-line households.
The preliminary results of the three-year project found that the mobile phone is an indispensable part of the Australian life, with more than 90% of respondents reporting that their lives could not “proceed as normal” without their mobiles.
The preliminary results of the three-year project found that the mobile phone is an indispensable part of the Australian life, with more than 90% of respondents reporting that their lives could not “proceed as normal” without their mobiles.
Other key findings of the research:
“Rather than fragmenting time, our study suggests that mobile phone practices are strengthening and deepening relationships and building durable social bonds,” Professor Wajcman said.
View the Social Research report here.
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