Mobile workers 'would change jobs for flexibility'

A third of mobile workers would seek alternative employment if they did not get the flexibility they wanted, according to a new report.

The Mobile Workforce report by iPass Inc, which drew from the experiences of more than 3,100 mobile employees at 1,100 enterprises worldwide, also revealed that 75 per cent of mobile workers work more hours due to workshifting. More than half (55 per cent) were working at least 10 or more additional hours each week as a result of their more flexible schedules and 12 pe rcent were working 20 or more additional hours.

Thirty-eight per cent told the survey they worked before their commute, 25 percent work during their commute, 37 per cent work during lunch, and 37 per cent work at night - each and every day.

Overwhelmingly, mobile workers reported that workshifting allows them to be more productive and efficient, with 79 per cent reporting increased productivity and 78 per cent reporting increased efficiency.  Significantly, 64 per cent of mobile workers also reported improved work/life balance and more than half (51 per cent) felt more relaxed because of flexible work.

“Even though mobile workers are putting in more hours, we are starting to see the pendulum swing back to the centre on disconnecting, with 68 per cent of mobile workers disengaging from technology occasionally to spend time with their families,” said Barbara Nelson, chief technology officer at iPass. “It appears that the mobile workforce is getting a better hold on their work-life balance.”

The survey also shows:

- 47 per cent of mobile employees work from home daily, 99 per cent at least occasionally.  88 per cent of mobile workers report working from the road, 84 per cent from a coffee shop, and 77 per cent outside using a city mesh Wi-Fi at least on an occasional basis.

- 40 per cent would like a more flexible work environment - even with 95 per cent of employees stating that their employers currently either encourage or tolerate workshifting.

- If mobile employees do not get enough flexibility at work, 33 per cent stated they would seek employment elsewhere, 57 per cent would be less satisfied with their job, and 45 per cent would feel less productive.

- During holidays 97 per cent of mobile workers stay connected to technology (up from 93 per cent in 2010). Nearly all (94 per cent) did so at least partly for work.

- On holiday, 69 per cent checked into work at least daily, while 93 per cent checked in at least weekly. 41 per cent checked in multiple times per day.

- 52 per cent connected during holiday to make sure they didn’t fall behind on work, weren’t overwhelmed upon return to work, or to ensure completion of a work project.