People working more, but happier about it, iPass survey finds

“The mobile workforce is now working 24×7,” according to a new report on enterprise mobility trends and mobile usage from iPass. While that initially may seem like a negative thing, iPass said its quarterly report is showing that people are working when and where they want to.
The “workshifting” trend, as iPass calls it, is changing how people work in some positive ways. “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.” iPass noted that technology advances, including the second wave of Wi-Fi, are contributing to that trend. Three-fourths of people said they worked more hours because of the flexibility, with 55% saying they worked 10 or more hours each week. Despite working longer hours, 64% said they were better able to balance their work and personal life, 51% said they were more relaxed as a result of that balance and 54% said their productivity was substantially improved.
Although nearly everyone surveyed said their employers encouraged or tolerated flexible hours, 40% of individuals said they want even more flexibility. “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.”
The survey was based in responses from more than 3,100 people working at more than 1,100 enterprises worldwide.Redwood Shores, Calif.-based iPass manages mobile connectivity for large enterprises and global carriers.