Always Connected: One Third of U.S. Workforce Feels Need to Stay Connected 24/7

CHICAGO, April 20 /PRNewswire/ -- The recent economic downturn has American workers stressed, overworked and anxious, but many are turning to technology to help them cope. According to a survey released today by InterCall, the world's largest conferencing and collaboration services provider, workers are using technology to stay connected (sometimes even secretly), work harder and maintain job security to survive the economic recovery.

Take note managers: Nearly one in two Americans (48 percent) who use technology in their everyday jobs say that they are now required to do more work with fewer resources due to the current economic climate. As an example, nearly one third (30 percent) feel that they need to stay connected to work 24/7, even during weekends, breaks or holidays. However, 72 percent say that advanced technology, such as conferencing and collaboration tools, enables them to work faster, better and improves their morale – because they see the company providing them with the right resources and tools to 'do more with less.'

While the economic climate has even driven workers to use conferencing from locations they don't want their boss to know about, there is good news for stressed employees. Advanced technology makes it easy for most workers to feel connected anytime (80 percent) which is important considering almost one in four employees (24 percent) fear that if they don't stay connected to their work during their time off, they may be seen as less committed to their jobs.

"Despite the incredible pressure facing American workers, they value technology and the tools that keep them easily connected as an important resource to ease their anxiety about their job," said Kathleen Finato, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Product Management, InterCall. "Companies can really impact overall morale and enhance employees' job performance simply by providing their employees with the appropriate devices and services that will make them feel empowered."

The survey polled 2,500 knowledge workers in March about their attitudes and behaviors as they relate to technology in the workplace as well as new trends in the down economy. Additional findings from the survey include:

• Increased productivity – More than four out of five American workers (81 percent) say that technology helps them be more efficient and more productive at work.  
• Job security – One quarter (25 percent) of American workers say their job security is partially dependent on their supervisor seeing they are connected to work even after hours.
• Men Are Sneakier – Men are twice as likely than women to conduct business from locations they choose not to disclose to their bosses, colleagues and customers.
• Competition in the workplace – Three in five workers (58 percent) say that technology gives them a competitive edge over colleagues in the office.
• Comfort rules – Some employees (5 percent) even use conferencing to take meetings so they can wear what they want and avoid wearing typical meeting attire such as suits, ties or even shoes!

The U.S. survey was commissioned by InterCall, the world's largest conferencing and collaboration services provider. The survey was conducted by TNS, an independent research company in March 2010 with a margin of error of +/- 2.2 at the 95 percent confidence level for American workers who use technology in their everyday work (1,924).

About InterCall

InterCall, a subsidiary of West Corporation, is the largest service provider in the world specializing in conference communications. Founded in 1991, InterCall helps people and companies are more productive by providing advanced audio, event, Web and video conferencing solutions that are easy-to-use and save them time and money. Along with a team of over 500 Meeting Consultants, the company employs more than 1,500 operators, customer service representatives, call supervisors, accounting, marketing and IT professionals. InterCall's strong U.S. presence, which includes four call centers and 26 sales offices, is bolstered by a global reach that extends to Canada, Mexico, Latin America, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, China, India, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan. For more information, please visit www.intercall.com.

About West Corporation

West Corporation is a leading provider of technology-driven, voice-oriented solutions. West offers its clients a broad range of communications and infrastructure management solutions that help them manage or support critical communications. West's customer contact solutions and conferencing services are designed to improve its clients' cost structure and provide reliable, high-quality services. West also provides mission-critical services, such as public safety and emergency communications.

Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, West serves Fortune 1000 companies and other clients in a variety of industries, including telecommunications, banking, retail, financial, technology and healthcare. West has sales and operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Latin America. For more information on West Corporation, please call 1-800-841-9000 or visit www.west.com.

SOURCE InterCall