Kelly Global Workforce Index - Technology & Work Life Balance
Summary:
90% of Singaporeans say mobile communications technology boost productivity at work. More than half find satisfaction with current work-life balance. Over 70% of Gen Y employees view having a good work-life balance as very important in their jobs.
Singapore, July 13, 2009 – Nine out of 10 Singaporeans say mobile communications technology used by smartphones and laptops has boosted personal productivity with slightly more than half claiming it improves their work-life balance.
According to the findings of Kelly Global Workforce Index, a world-wide survey by global workforce solutions leader Kelly Services, 90 percent of Singaporean respondents say the ability to work outside the office, yet remain in constant contact, has been a positive development even though more than a third are now working longer hours.
This figure is higher than the survey’s world average of 84 per cent who recognise the productivity benefits of mobile communications technology.
But it is lower than those of Asian countries like China (93 per cent), India (92 per cent) and Indonesia (97 per cent). It is however higher than those of Western nations like the United States (73 per cent), United Kingdom (82 per cent) and Germany (81 per cent).
The Kelly Global Workforce Index obtained the views of nearly 100,000 people in 34 countries, including more than 3,000 in Singapore earlier this year.
In Singapore, Gen Y (age between 18 and 29) respondents place greater importanceon a good balance between work and social life.
About 71% of Gen Y compared to 64% of Gen X (30 – 47) and 59% of Baby Boomers (aged 48 – 65) view that it is extremely important to have a good balance between work and social life.
Across the age groups, fewer Gen Y respondents are happy with their current work life balance. About 51% of Gen Y respondents compared to 59% of Gen X and 60% of Baby Boomers are satisfied with their work life balance in their jobs.
As a whole, 54% of Singaporeans are satisfied with their work-life balance. This is lower than those of Western countries like the US (69 per cent), UK (56 per cent) and Germany (58 per cent). Also it is lower than those of Asian countries like India (64 per cent), China (58 per cent), Indonesia (68 per cent) and Malaysia (57 per cent).
But the Singapore satisfaction level – quite near to the world average of 55 per cent – is higher than countries like Italy (49 per cent), Sweden (45 per cent) and Turkey (26 per cent).
A gender breakdown of the satisfaction level for work-life balance among Singaporeans show that males (54 per cent) and females (53 per cent) practically see eye-to-eye on this issue.
Said Mr. Dhirendra Shantilal, Senior Vice-President (Asia Pacific) of Kelly Services, “The explosion of mobile devices is helping to create a much more flexible and adaptable workforce. 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 to be 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. The survey also shows that attitudes and perceptions of Gen Y employees towards work life balance are different from those of Gen X and Baby Boomers as Gen Y tend to put more emphasis on work-life balance. This is important for employers to note if they are keen to attract and retain Gen Y talent. ”
Among the key findings of the survey:
- 90 percent say they are ‘greatly attracted’ or ‘somewhat attracted’ by the possibility of telecommuting, working from home or working remotely.
- 43 percent say they are working longer hours due to new technologies, with males and Gen X the most affected.
- Gen X are the most attracted to the idea of telecommuting, working from home and working remotely.
- Baby boomers are most happy with their current work-life balance, and Gen Y the least.
The productivity benefits from the technologies are evenly spread across all the generations. A total of 61 percent say productivity is ‘much better’, and 29 percent say it is ‘slightly better’, while 2 percent say productivity is lower, and 8 percent say it makes no difference.
Mr. Shantilal added, “The line between work and personal life is blurring 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.”
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. Visit www.kellyservices.com.sg