Mobile Across Countries

Use of mobile technologies is worldwide, but are there national differences in how mobile is seen and used.  A survey conducted by The Economist Intelligence Unit in 2016 across nine countries provides some insights into this question.

1 in 3 of the Japanese surveyed identified the ability to collaborate more effectively as having the most positive impact on their productivity (compared with 21% globally).  53% of respondents in Australia and New Zealand (compared with 42% globally) identified quick and easy access to information as a key factor in their productivity.

It was only in the UK that over 50% of respondents agreed they were more productive working from home.  France is first on the list for agreeing that mobile technology has made it harder to find a work-life balance. 

Singapore is the most mobile-friendly country in the study:
• Singaporeans are the most likely to own a tablet for work, and most likely to agree they are more productive because of mobile technology.
• They also rate their employers highly for use of mobile technology.  Six out of ten Singaporeans rate their employers as being a pioneer or good at using mobile  technology – the highest of any country in the study.
• Singapore is also highest 2 in supporting the use of mobile chat apps like WhatsApp for work activities (66%) and making all company documents accessible on mobile devices (40%).

Areas in which Singapore is not ahead, however, include:
• Employers supporting digital collaboration tools that work on mobile devices such as Slack or GChat (56% in the UK compared to 36% in Singapore).
• Employers supporting voice- and video-collaboration tools on mobile devices (37% in the US compared with 33% in Singapore)

Overall, as might be expected, the major factor in increasing productivity was the ability to work from any location at any time.

Whether it’s enhanced virtual teamwork and collaboration or better global commucation, find out how our solutions can position your organisation for success. 

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