Smartphones, tablets and social networks lure job seekers

_{07/09/2011
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Research conducted on behalf of information service provider, Unisys, has revealed that support for consumer-style technology devices (such as smartphones and tablets) and the ability to access social networking sites like facebook and twitter could determine an organisation's ability to attract top job candidates.

According to the results of the Unisys Consumerisation of IT study, 85% of Australian workers surveyed felt that it was critical that their employer allowed access to social networking sites.

Of those surveyed 66% also stated that a company smartphone with server and email access was also key.

"Employees have become increasingly reliant on the tools of their trade to work successfully. When evaluating different roles and career opportunities access to mobile devices and social networking resources are now considered a 'must have' by workers," said Lee Ward, vice president and general manager, IT outsourcing, Unisys Asia Pacific.

The results also revealed that employees and employers don't necessarily attach the same value to the use of mobile devices and ability to access information.

Percentage who feel it is critical or positive to provide the following
	Employees	Employers
Employer payment of usage chargers for employee-owned devices	76%	71%
Employer reimbursement for employees devices	68%	78%
Using social networks at work	85%	58%
Remote access to corporate APPS and files	70%	62%
Provision of smartphones with corporate access	66%	64%
Support for tablets	56%	88%
Using personal devices for business	53%	79%
Install corporate apps on personal devices	57%	75%

Employers however did agree that consumer devices can have a positive impact in the workplace with 75% stating that consumer technology increases productivity and 83% stating that consumer technology can increase employee morale.

"For many organisations, the introduction of consumer devices to the workplace can bring several challenges, including the need to ensure that employees can balance work and home on the one device," said Ward.

According to the study results smartphone users have sent work emails from the following locations: