Indians use technology to get work-life balance

With as many as 64 per cent Indians describing themselves as workaholics, their reliance on technology to strike a work-life balance has increased more than ever, according to a new study.

In fact, 91 per cent of the Indians surveyed admit that the widespread use of technology has enabled them to achieve a more 'flexible' work schedule, as per the findings of a global research from Accenture titled 'Defining Success.'

These findings are consistent with those from China and Indonesia where 94 per cent and 90 per cent workers respectively credited latest technological developments with helping them achieve a more balanced schedule.

Even the Saudis, who at 72 per cent topped the list of workaholics, agreed that technology had simplified their lives immensely.

A whopping 91 per cent said it had been instrumental in managing the responsibilities of work and home effectively, the research by the technology consulting firm said.

The remaining concentration of workaholic professionals came from Philippines (61 per cent), Indonesia and South Africa (58 per cent).

The research also revealed just how important life outside work is to professionals globally, with 60 per cent Indians surveyed saying it was vital towards achieving a work-life

balance.

Companies that are sensitive to this trend are likely to see strong employee engagement and enjoy an advantage as they recruit and retain high performers, the study revealed.

When it came to defining success, almost 55 per cent Indians equated it to financial reward, while 59 per cent of Chinese agreed with this definition.

The United Arab Emirates respondents topped in Dubai with around 60 per cent of them putting salary gains as the most important measure of success in workplace.

The corresponding figures for US and Malaysia stood at 57 per cent each.

"Moreover, 75 per cent of Chinese respondents believe that 'recognition' defines success, followed by Singapore (59 per cent), India (53 per cent) and the UAE and Germany (52 per cent)," the report added.

According to Omar Boulos, managing director of Accenture Middle East, the study has major implications for high-performing companies in the region.

"Today’s professionals have clearly stated what success means to them, and innovative companies will ensure they find ways to support them," he said.