Tech enhancing work-life balance: Study

More than 90 per cent of the Indian respondents say mobile communications technology such as smart phones and laptops have boosted personal productivity and for many, have transformed their work-life balance, according to latest findings from an international workplace survey.

Nearly 72 per cent said productivity is 'much better', 20 per cent said it is 'slightly better' while three per cent said productivity was lower and six per cent said it made no difference, a study by Kelly Services, provider of workforce management services and human resources solutions, said.

Nearly 83 per cent of respondents said the ability to work outside the office, yet remain in constant contact has been a positive development, even though half are working longer hours. Nearly 88 percent of respondents said they are 'greatly attracted' or 'somewhat attracted' by the possibility of telecommuting, working from home or working remotely.

Dhiren Shantilal, Senior Vice President, APAC, Kelly Services said 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", he said.

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

Nearly 50 per cent of respondents said that they are working longer hours due to new technologies, with males and  baby boomers 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 work-life balance, and the baby boomers the least.

"There is a blurring of the line between work and personal life as employees are integrating information technology into their lives at many levels", said Dhiren.

"Employers who use technology to enhance working arrangement are likely to been seen as employers of choice", he said.

The Kelly Global Workforcce Index obtained the views of nearly 100,000 people in 34 countries, including nearly 5000 in India.