Electronic technology, including widespread computer availability and online communication, has had a desirable effect on several business outcomes, according to a recent survey by WorldatWork and Buck Consultants. Nearly three out of four organizations responded that electronic communication practices have improved administrative efficiency, and over half report reduced costs and enhanced employee satisfaction.
The survey, completed by WorldatWork members representing 530 of North Americaís largest companies, examined the prevalence and impact of electronic tools and communication practices. The study is an expansion of electronic communication surveys conducted in 2001 and 2003, and provides updated perspectives on practices and usage. Respondents included compensation and human resources professionals from diverse industries.
ìThe survey revealed some dramatic trends regarding Web site and intranet content,î said Scot Marcotte, Principal with Buck Consultants. ìNearly nine of ten employers now provide benefits information on-line, up from only 24 percent in 2001. On-line links to vendors increased from 18 percent to 78 percent over that same period, and e-learning programs grew from 17 percent to 71 percent.î
ìTodayís employers have created an information and communication explosion,î stated Anne Ruddy, President of WorldatWork. ìThe electronic age has streamlined business operations, bolstered internal communications, and made flexible work arrangements, like telecommuting, viable options for employees.î
ìOur survey found that employers place a high priority on the development and enhancement of electronic communications,î added Marcotte. ìThirty-six percent of respondents say it is among their highest priorities.î
How prevalent are electronic tools in the workplace? Not surprisingly, the survey demonstrates that todayís employees operate in a wired work environment. Nine out of ten survey participants provide online access to a majority of their employees, and 64 percent report their employees rely on Web sites and intranets for information, tools and applications essential to their work. Whatís more, 80 percent of multinationals communicate using a global intranet.
While electronic tools have generated some positive outcomes for employers and employees, the technology also poses some new threats. ìEmployees can rely on electronic tools to enhance their job performance, but they could also use the same tools to detract from productivity,î stated Ruddy. According to the survey results, 50 percent of participants have witnessed employees abusing electronic communications for personal use.
In order to prevent electronic abuses, a majority of survey respondents have developed policies defining permissible conduct at work. Ninety-five percent of participants expressly prohibit transmitting, viewing or storing offensive material, 76 percent discourage personal emails, and 70 percent ban non-work related web surfing. ìTechnology is not going to slow down. More than 70 percent of the organizations in this study report their use of electronic practices is growing and that number is only going to get bigger,î said Ruddy. ìEmployers will need to continue to find ways to maximize the value and manage the risk.î
For further information or for a complimentary copy of the full survey report, please contact Jeffrey Kros at 480-922-2027 or via e-mail at jkros@worldatwork.org, or Ed Gadowski at Buck Consultants at 201-902-2825 or Edward.Gadowski@buckconsultants.com.
Distributed by HR Marketer.com
Electronic technology has had a desirable effect on several business outcomes
Nearly three out of four organizations responded that electronic communication practices have improved administrative efficiency, and over half report reduced costs and enhanced employee satisfaction
