New technology boosts productivity and flexibility for Puerto Rican employees.

More than 80 percent of Puerto Rican respondents 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 85 percent of respondents say the ability to work outside the office, yet remain in constant contact, has been a positive development, even though more than a third are now working longer hours.

The Kelly Global Workforce Index obtained the views of nearly 100,000 people in 34 countries including Puerto Rico.

Kelly Services Hector Ortiz Vargas , General Manager, said that 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,” Vargas says.

The phenomenon is being spearheaded by Gen X (aged 30-47) employees who are reaping greater productivity benefits than Gen Y (aged 18-29) and baby boomers (aged 48-65).

Among the key findings of the survey:

o 92 percent say that they are ‘greatly attracted’ or ‘somewhat attracted’ by the possibility of telecommuting, working from home or working remotely.
o 43 percent say they are working longer hours due to new technologies, with Gen X the most affected.
o Baby boomers are most happy with their work-life balance, while amongst the genders, females are more content than males.
o Gen Y place greater priority than Gen X or baby boomers on a good work-life balance.

Across all the generations, a total of 61 percent say productivity is ‘much better’, and 25 percent say it is ‘slightly better’, while 3 percent say productivity is lower, and 11 percent say it makes no difference.

Hector Ortiz Vargas says few other recent developments have had a bigger impact on employee engagement and personal productivity.

“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,” Hector Ortiz Vargas concludes.

“While reviewers denote to be happy with the change, it would be beneficial to measure the long-term impact on certain areas such as customer service, which sometimes we can observed an employee using the cell while serving the client or clients delaying the service by being on the phone. Also the effect it can have on the physical and mental rest that humans need to maintain harmony,” Hector Ortiz Vargas concludes.

To view charts CLICK on link below:
https://hispanicad.combanners2/downloads/PuertoRico-data.pdf>