New technology boosts productivity and flexibility for Hungarian employees

Almost 90 percent of Hungarian 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 78 percent of respondents say the ability to work outside the office, yet remain in constant contact, has been a positive development, even though almost one-fifth are now working longer hours.

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

Kelly Services Aniko JonasManaging Director, 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,” Aniko Jonas says.

The productivity benefits are evident across all generations, with Gen Y (aged 18-29), Gen X (aged 30-47) and baby boomers (aged 48-65) all generating productivity gains from the communications technologies.

Among the key findings of the survey:

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

Across the generations, a total of 64 percent say productivity is ‘much better’, and 24 percent say it is ‘slightly better’, while 3 percent say productivity is lower, and 9 percent say it makes no difference.

Aniko Jonas 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,” Jónás 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 

Media contact: 

Anikó Jónás

Managing Director

E-mail: ajonas@kellyservices.hu 

Tel: 0036-1-354-2174