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Mobile workforce could add R17bn to SA economy

Paula Gilbert
By Paula Gilbert, ITWeb telecoms editor.
Johannesburg, 26 Aug 2015
It's time to stop judging workers on how long they spend at their desks, says Citrix SA country manager, Brendan McAravey.
It's time to stop judging workers on how long they spend at their desks, says Citrix SA country manager, Brendan McAravey.

Flexible working practices enabled by technology could add an extra R17 billion per year to the South African economy, the equivalent of 0.4% of gross domestic product (GDP).

This is according to a study released today by London-based Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) and mobile workspace solutions company, Citrix.

The study based its findings on a survey of 1 256 South Africans in April. South African national statistics on wages and gross value added per capita were used as the basis for the various valuations of the potential productivity boost.

The study found a more widespread 'work from anywhere' culture in South Africa could save people R39.5 billion on commuting costs and around 320 million hours in commuting time.

"Technology now enables us to work from anywhere, at any time. It is time to move on from judging workers on how long they spend at their desks, to evaluating them on the work they actually deliver," says Brendan McAravey, Citrix SA country manager.

"Over recent years, many organisations have become firm advocates of the benefits of flexible working and this study verifies the impact that such a culture can bring to the wider South African economy. By realising that employees do not have to be in the office from nine to five, employers will reap the benefits of an even more productive, contented workforce."

The study found there is a high demand from employees for more flexibility, with 93% of respondents indicating they would opt to work from home or an alternative remote location for an average 19 hours per working week.

The study found leisure time gained through the greater adoption of flexible working accumulates to 1.2 million additional hours per year or 110 hours per person per year.

"Issues such as load-shedding and high fuel prices take their toll on the workforce financially, physically and psychologically. Businesses in South Africa need to look very closely at the provisions they make for flexible working. Those that choose not to enable workplace mobility will lose out in the war for talent and could arguably suffer from lower employee productivity," according to McAravey.

Tackling unemployment

In addition to improving the work-life balance of those already in full-time employment, the report indicates more flexible working opportunities could help curb unemployment in South Africa.

Cebr found there is scope for technology-enabled flexible working to encourage over five million people in SA who are currently unemployed or economically inactive to join the labour force. The study indicates 95% of these respondents would be inclined to start working if given the tools to do so.

In monetary terms, these unemployed or economically inactive workers (retired, full-time house-wife/house-husband, long-term disabled or sick) could help add R169 billion to the South African economy in gross value added annually, boosting GDP by 4.5%. The study also found 90% of part-time working respondents would choose to work more hours if given the opportunity to work remotely.

Cebr believes that as technology develops to become increasingly capable and affordable, employers should recognise the value that technology-enabled remote working can offer. The report suggests government also has a role to play "by creating a favourable environment, through investment in infrastructure and policy developments, within which employers and employees can realise the potential benefits identified by this report".

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