New technology improves productivity
The explosion of mobile and digital devices is helping to create a much more flexible and adaptable workforce, and one that is more productive.
By embracing the power of computer and wireless technology, employers can look at providing flexibility both in terms of working hours and allowing employees to work from home.
“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”.
A workforce management services and human resource firm, revealed that achieving a good balance between work and personal life was still a major priority for more than 68% of Malaysian respondent.
In fact, more than 90% of Malaysian respondent also told the Kelly Global Workface Index that mobile communication technology, such as Smartphone and laptops, have improved their productivity and, for many, have transformed their work-life balance.
Additionally, 80% of respondents said the ability to work outside the office, yet remain in constant contact, had been a positive development, even though almost half were working longer hours.
The Kelly Global Workforce Index obtained the views of nearly 100,000 people in 34 countries including almost 2000 in Malaysia.
Much of the transformation in workface behavior is being driven by the younger generation of workers – generation Y ( age 18 – 29 years ) and Generation X ( age 30 – 47 years ).
Other key findings of the survey:
57% said they were generally happy with work-life balance that they had.
72% said the impact of mobile and digital technology had improved their productivity at work and was a positive development (64% of these respondents were from Generation Y)
93% said they were ‘greatly attracted’ or ‘somewhat attracted ‘by the possibility of telecommuting, working remotely.
47% said they were working longer hours due to new technologies, with males and younger workers the most affected. These respondents said they valued the flexibility and freedom that technology afforded.
The productivity benefits from new technologies were being generated across all generations. A total of 72% said productivity was ‘much better’, and 22% said it was ‘slightly better’, while 1% said productivity was lower, and 5% said it made no differences.
‘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. Generation Y traditionally does not like to be bound to an office location or traditional 9am to 5am working hours. With the entrance of new technologies and devices, the work environment has remained conducive for Generation Y work forces to thrive’.
“The use of new technologies not only improves productivity but also changes the way employee’s engaged with work. When employees think about the factors that attract them to work, the availability of modern communication and device is critical factors especially for Generation Y and Generation X. With access to new technologies, employees can become more productive and engaged with their work through the ability to stay connected anytime, anywhere’.