Survey Says: Flexibility Is A Must

The lights are on, but not everybody’s home. Or at the office for that matter. The mobile workforce is now working 24×7. But they aren’t just working from their cubicles and living rooms — they are holed up in coffee shops and many other public venues, or out working in a park, getting some badly needed fresh air. Regardless of location, they are now connected and productive around the clock.

This quarter’s iPass Mobile Workforce Report examines the trend of workshifting — the ability to work when and where we want to. This trend is forever changing the way we work, when we work, and where we work. The good news is that the effects are mostly positive. Not only are these individuals more productive and efficient, they are finally starting to get a handle on their work/life boundaries, giving their families and friends some badly needed attention. And all of this is thanks to rapidly evolving technology and the second wave of Wi-Fi.

This quarter’s study revealed some interesting statistics. Highlights include:

• 68 percent of mobile workers occasionally disconnected completely from technology, up from just 47 percent last year;
• 75 percent worked more hours because of the increased fl;exibility in when and where they could work
• 55 percent worked at least 10 or more hours each week;
• 64 percent felt they were better able to balance their work load with personal commitments;
• 51 percent were more relaxed as a result of this improved balance; and
• 54 percent felt their productivity was substantially improved.

Workshifting has now become the expectation of nearly all business employees. Although 95 percent stated their employers encouraged or tolerated workshifting — 40 percent would like to have an even more flexible work environment. And if they aren’t getting enough flexibility at work, 33 percent would seek employment elsewhere, 57 percent would be less satisfied with their job, and 45 percent would feel less productive.

Enterprises should note — if they don’t provide the flexibility today’s mobile employees feel entitled to — their employees will seek out those companies who do allow them the freedom to work when and where they choose.