Productivity Boost

A new survey by Kelly Services reports that use of mobile communications technologies such as smartphones and laptops are driving positive changes in employee behavior and a shift in work-life balance. The survey, which gauged the views of 100,000 people in 34 countries, found that 84 percent believe technology has improved their personal productivity at work. Eighty-seven percent of respondents also said a policy for working remotely is an important factor to them in deciding where to work.

In addition, three-quarters of respondents indicated that the opportunity provided by mobile devices to remain in constant contact with work is a positive development, even though approximately one-third are working longer hours as a result.

The survey also indicated that while Generation Y (aged 18-29) is at the forefront of the shift toward use of mobile technologies, members of Generation X (aged 30-47) and Baby Boomers (aged 48-65) also heavily support the technologies as a means to improve productivity and work-life balance.