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New Technology Boosts Productivity and Flexibility for American Employees

TROY, MI -- (Marketwire) -- 06/25/2009 -- More than 70 percent of Americans surveyed 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 74 percent of respondents say the ability to work outside the office, yet remain in constant contact, has been a positive development, even though approximately one quarter are now working longer hours.

The Kelly Global Workforce Index obtained the views of nearly 100,000 people in 34 countries including more than 13,000 in the United States.

Kelly Services Executive Vice President and General Manager, Mike Webster, says the explosion of mobile devices is helping to create a much more flexible and adaptable workforce, and one that is more productive.

"With access to mobile technologies and the ability to work remotely, people have not only become more productive but more engaged with their work through the ability to stay connected anytime, anywhere. The virtual workplace provides greater freedom and flexibility and despite working longer hours, many employees are satisfied with their work-life balance," says Webster.

When asked about their present situation, 69 percent of U.S. respondents say they are happy with the quality of their work-life balance, the second highest of the 34 countries surveyed, and second only to Thailand.

The phenomenon is being spearheaded by employees from Gen Y (aged 18-29) and Gen X (aged 30-47) who place a much greater emphasis on a sound work-life balance than baby boomers (aged 48-65).

Key findings of the survey from across the US:

--  More respondents in the Northeast (30 percent) claim to be working
    longer hours as a result of mobile communications technology, while those
    in the Midwest and South (both 26 percent) are least affected.
--  Workers in the South are deriving the greatest productivity benefits
    from the technology with 53 percent rating them as "much better."
--  Workers in the Midwest and South (both 70 percent) are most satisfied
    with their current work-life balance and those in the West (68 percent) the
    least.
    

Workers across all the generations say that their output has increased through the new communications technology. A total of 48 percent say productivity is 'much better,' and 25 percent say it is 'slightly better,' while 2 percent say productivity is lower, and 24 percent say it makes no difference.

The use of mobile communications technologies have become widespread across the workforce and are driving major changes in the way people work and their choice of employer. Webster says few other recent developments have had a bigger impact on employee engagement and personal productivity.

"We are gradually seeing a blurring of the lines between work and personal life as a result of the revolution in electronic communications, which is having a positive effect on employee engagement and ultimately could impact employment choices," Webster 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) (NASDAQ: 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

Contact Information:     Media contact:
Judith Clark
Kelly Services
(248) 244-5362
judith_clark@kellyservices.com