Tech-savvy Aussies working longer: study

Australians are finding it harder to escape work thanks to BlackBerrys, mobile
phones and laptops, but it has made us more efficient, a study has shown.
Mobile technologies have transformed the way people tackle their jobs, increasing
work hours for some but also boosting productivity across all age groups.
The Kelly Global Workforce Index included the views of almost 100,000 people from 34
countries, including Australia and found 75 per cent welcomed technological
advancements, even if it meant being in constant contact with work.
A third were working longer hours as a result but the option of working from home,
or remotely was a major plus, the study found.
"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," study director James Bowmer said in a statement.
"Even though some are working longer hours, this is largely offset by the greater
freedom and flexibility of the virtual workplace."
Younger people aged 18 to 29 were the most likely to consider new technologies a
boost to productivity but the benefits bridged the generational gap.
Baby boomers, Gen Xers and Ys all said they were more efficient in the workplace
because of mobile devices.