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According to a New International Workplace Survey by Kelly Services, Around the Globe the Desire for Meaningful Work Triumphs Over Pay, Promotion, and Job Choices

TROY, MI -- (Marketwire) -- 02/25/2009 -- A desire for jobs that fulfill vital psychological needs of employees is fueling a global shift in workplace dynamics, driven by distinctive generational and geographic attitudes, according to a new international workplace survey conducted from early November 2008 to mid-January 2009.

The survey, by global workforce solutions leader Kelly Services, reveals a widespread desire for more meaningful roles in the workplace. Approximately half (51 percent) of those surveyed are prepared to accept a lower wage or a lesser role if their work contributes to something 'more important or meaningful.'

The findings are part of the Kelly Global Workforce Index, which sought the views of approximately 100,000 people in 34 countries covering North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.

Among more idealistic younger workers, comprising Generation Y (aged 18-29), the willingness to make such a sacrifice is evident across all countries but most pronounced in Asia Pacific. The survey also highlights emerging career worries and planned job exploration by Generation X (aged 30-47), as well as a sense of disappointment and lost opportunity building amongst baby boomers (aged 48-65).

Kelly Services Executive Vice President and COO, George Corona says, "Our findings demonstrate important distinctions in how people from different cultures and generations make their employment decisions. One overriding trend is that people want their jobs to provide a degree of emotional fulfillment, even if it means sacrificing money and status to achieve it."

Overall, there are many who are prepared to quit their current roles and look for more engaging jobs elsewhere. The survey clearly shows the value of work in delivering non-monetary needs such as pride and self confidence.

"These findings show that the modern employment market is extremely dynamic and that achieving a high performing, productive and stable workforce means managing a complex set of cultural and geographic influences," Corona 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 Asia Pacific will be published throughout 2009 in a series of six releases.

About Kelly Services

Kelly Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: KELYA) (NASDAQ: KELYB) is a world leader in workforce management services and human resources solutions headquartered in Troy, Michigan, 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.

Contact Information:     Media Contacts:

Asia Pacific
Jaquilin Ang
Kelly Services
(65) 6494 6066
jaquilin_ang@kellyservices.com.sg

Europe
Tamara Achba
Kelly Services
+41 (0) 32 7371829
 tamara.achba@kellyservices.eu

North America
Judith Clark
Kelly Services
(248) 244-5362
judith_clark@kellyservices.com