The Internet, Email and Productivity
Canadian workers attribute Internet access to increased productivity
Kelly Global Workforce Index reveals that workers from Manitobaare the highest users of e-mail and the Internet, while those in New Brunswick are the lowest
March 26, 2007
Maintaining productivity in the workplace amidst access to online videos, celebrity gossip and personal e-mail may seem to be an ever present obstacle for many Canadian employees. Kelly Global Workforce Index, an international survey commissioned by Kelly Services – the foremost global talent management solutions provider – reveals that approximately 70 per cent of respondents stated that access to e-mail and the Internet improves their productivity.
The survey found that the use of online communications has extended across most of the workforce with 78 per cent of Canada’s workers regularly using e-mail, the Internet or both while at work.
“It is not surprising that Canadians have embraced e-mail and the Internet as a means to boost their productivity,” said Kelly Services Managing Director, Karin French. “But like any emerging technology, it is important that managers take time to provide the training and support to enable staff to effectively integrate online tools into their daily work routine, and gain the maximum benefit.”
Other findings from Kelly Services’ international workplace survey include:
- respondents in Manitoba reported the highest use of e-mail and the Internet at work – 80 per cent
- respondents in New Brunswick reported the lowest use of e-mail and the Internet at work – 67 per cent – and were also the least likely to consider Internet access as a means to increase productivity
- respondents in Saskatchewan placed the greatest importance on Internet access and its impact on productivity – the highest in the country at 73 per cent
- university educated respondents were more likely to report that Internet access increases productivity – 75 per cent – while respondents without a university education were less likely to report that Internet access increases their productivity – 66 per cent
The survey also sought to identify the incidence of spam. Approximately 30 per cent of respondents complained of excessive spam e-mails.
“For employers to maximize productivity in the workplace, it is very important for organizations to provide quality spam filters,” said French. “Ensuring that employees are not bogged down with unnecessary, time-wasting e-mails helps contribute to overall efficiency.”
When compared with other international respondents, Canadians reported receiving moderate levels of spam. Other countries reported the following:
- approximately 50 per cent of those surveyed in Turkey reported a high proportion of spam e-mails – the highest international levels
- approximately 22 per cent of workers in the Netherlands reported a high proportion of spam e-mails – the lowest international levels
The Kelly Global Workforce Index sought the views of approximately 70,000 people in 28 countries including more than 10,000 in Canada.
About Kelly Services
Kelly Services, Inc. (Nasdaq: KELYA, KELYB), headquarters in Troy, Michigan (United States), is a Fortune 500 company offering staffing solutions that include temporary staffing services, outsourcing, vendor on-site, and full-time placement. Kelly operates in 30 countries and territories and provides employment to more than 700,000 employees annuallywith a wide range of skills includingoffice services, accounting, engineering, information technologies, law, science, marketing, light industrial, education, and health care. In 2006, Kelly Services’ revenue was $5.6 billion (US). Visit our website at http://www.kellyservices.com.
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For more information, or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Wilcox Group
Toronto: 416-203-6666
Vancouver: 604-488-1100
kellyservices@wilcoxgroup.com
Additional materials available:
Kelly Services fact sheet
Internet survey results – Canada and International
