Generation Standby

I wrote on Monday about a study that found the Millenial Generation values an organization's culture more than its access to technology when deciding where to apply for a job. But another study by security firm Clearswift finds that members of all generations value the permission to use the Internet at work for personal reasons more than they value other benefits such as job titles and even pay.

The study, released last week, surveyed more than 1,600 managers and staff in the U.K., Australia, Germany and the United States during the first two months of 2010. More than 79 percent of respondents said that the most important feature of the workforce is to be trusted to organize their own work schedule and have free access to the Internet. In addition, 21 percent of workers said they would turn down a job that did not allow them access to social networking or personal e-mail during work hours.

The study also found that 62 percent of employees feel they should be able to access the Internet and social networking content from their work computers for personal reasons, compared to 51 percent of managers.

The report classified this group of workers as "Generation Standby," largely because they seem never to switch off from work or home. These individuals are facing increased pressure to work longer hours, a trend that is most pronounced amongst 25- to 34-year-olds, the study found. For example, 57 percent undertake personal tasks such as checking social networks, e-mail and online shopping at work. At the same time, 66 percent of all employees surveyed said they make up the time they spend using the Internet for personal reasons by working late or through lunch.