New Technology Boosts Productivity and Flexibility for Canadian Employees

Almost 80 percent of Canadian 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 76 percent of respondents say the ability to work outside the office, yet remain in constant contact, has been a positive development, even though almost a third are now working longer hours.

The Kelly Global Workforce Index obtained the views of nearly 100,000 people in 34 countries, including more than 7,000 in Canada.

Kelly Services VP and Managing Director of Canadian Operations, Karin French, 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," French says.

The productivity benefits are evident across all generations, with Gen Y (aged 18-29), Gen X (aged 30-47), and baby boomers (aged 48-65) all generating productivity gains from communications technologies.

Among the key findings of the survey:

--  90 percent say that they are 'greatly attracted' or 'somewhat
    attracted' by the possibility of telecommuting, working from home or
    working remotely.
--  32 percent say they are working longer hours due to new technologies,
    with males and Gen X the most affected.
--  Gen X are the most attracted to the idea of telecommuting, working
    from home and working remotely.

Across the generations, a total of 56 percent say productivity is 'much better,' and 22 percent say it is 'slightly better,' while 3 percent say productivity is lower, and 19 percent say it makes no difference.

"There is a blurring of the line between work and personal life as employees are encouraged to integrate information technology into their lives at many levels. Employers who use technology to enhance flexible working arrangements may be more likely to reap the benefits of improved productivity and to be seen as employers of choice," French 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 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

Media contact: Kate Samson (416) 646-4249 kate.samson@kellyservices.com Judith Clark (248) 244-4305 judith_clark@kellyservices.com