90 percent Indians believe mobiles change work-life

Bangalore: At least nine out of ten Indians feel that the growth in mobile communications have enhanced productivity and transformed their work-life balance. More than 90 percent of Indian respondents say mobile communications technology such as smartphones and laptops have boosted personal productivity and, for many, transformed their work-life balance, as per a study.

The study Kelly Global Workforce Index maintains that 83 percent of Indians believe that their ability to work outside office and yet network and remain in touch is a positive development, although it meant working longer hours.

"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," said Dhiren Shantilal, Senior Vice President of Kelly Services, Asia Pacific.

A sound work-life balance is now a big priority, especially among the younger generation, in the age group of 18-29 years, the survey said. Gen X, between 30-47 years of age, is most attracted to telecommuting or working from home and working remotely. Baby boomers, who are between 48-65 years, are least happy.

But this does not mean that new technologies have not spread productivity benefits across all generations. 72 percent of the respondents said that productivity was much better.

"Employers who use technology to enhance working arrangements are also likely to reap productivity benefits and to be seen as employers of choice," said Shantilal. Around one lakh people from 34 countries were surveyed for the Kelly Global Workforce Index. Nearly 5000 were from India.