Singaporeans spend more than 10 hours for work outside normal hours

Now that's what you call workaholic.

According to a release, the uptake of mobile technologies is seeing Singapore’s employees working extended hours as they stay “connected” to their work around-the-clock, producing a lift in workplace productivity, but also eating into leisure time.

More than one-in-three of Singapore’s respondents to the latest Kelly Global Workforce Index (KGWI) say they feel under pressure to stay connected with work outside of normal working hours.

More than half (54 percent) of respondents spend up to five hours per week connected to their work outside normal work hours, 16 percent spend 6-10 hours, and 17 percent spend more than 10 hours. Only 13 percent spend no time.

The KGWI examines the growth of this highly virtual workforce, and also the impact on workplace productivity, work-life balance and job security. Nearly 170,000 people in 30 countries participated in the survey, including approximately 6,000 in Singapore.

While 55 percent say the use of mobile technologies has improved their work efficiency and productivity, 42 percent say it has also contributed to increased fatigue and burnout.

“The spread of smartphones, laptops and tablet devices has empowered a generation of workers, for whom the office is always in their pocket, but it is also eating into their downtime,” said Mark Hall, Vice President, Country General Manager, Kelly Services Singapore.

The blurring of the line between work and leisure is occurring across all generations, but is most pronounced for Gen X employees and those with a professional and technical background, who are under the greatest pressure to maintain contact with their work.

Results of the survey in Singapore also show:

· The main pressure on individuals to stay connected with work is coming from employers, cited by 35 percent, followed by pressure individuals are placing on themselves (28 percent), customers and clients (20 percent), “industry culture” (9 percent), and other employees (7 percent).

· 41 percent say that the use of mobile technologies for work has improved their work-life balance.

· 28 percent say that the use of online technologies has improved their job security.

· More than half (57 percent) would consider telecommuting - working mainly from home or away from the office - if that were offered.

“Many employees are juggling the competing pressures between work and leisure,” Mark Hall said.

“With work now leaping the boundary of the workplace and impacting leisure time, employers need to weigh up the enhanced flexibility on the one hand, with the added burden it is putting on certain staff”.