'Generation STaNDby' on the rise in Australia

A new research report on the impact of social media and Web2.0 has revealed the rise of a new employee group, dubbed 'Generation STaNDby: Socially & Technologically Never Diconnected', which never seems to fully switch off from work.

The research, conducted by software security company Clearswift, surveyed 1,600 employers and employees in Australia, the UK, US and Germany, revealed that 60% of Australian office workers believe they are working harder this year than last year, with 45% believing they also need to work longer hours. Boundaries between work and home lives continue to blur, with 48% of Aussie office workers and 76% of managers, saying work tasks overlap into their home lives a minimum of twice per week but usually more. This is, in part, fuelled by 52% who use their home laptop for work, and 38% who use a smart phone as an 'always-on' link to office life.

However, the research also revealed that flexibility is a two-way stream, with 45% of employers agreeing that employees should be able access the internet and social networking content from their work computer for personal reasons. According to the survey, more than half of managers trust their employees to use the internet and social networking sites responsibly.

Indeed, trust is key to Generation STaNDby employees; aside from salary, 70% of Australians workers rate 'being trusted to manage their own time' higher than other benefits, such as flexible working, dress down codes or training & development options.

Peter Croft, managing director at Clearswift Asia Pacific added: "Many organisations view social networking as 'social notworking' but these results demonstrate that, locally at least, trust is critical to productive two-way employment relationships. However, we do strongly advocate all companies maintain an active, updated information management policy that is well-communicated to all employees, regardless of role."

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