Contact Information: Media contact: Renee Walker (248) 244-4305 Email Contact
Earth Day or No Earth Day, Many U.S. Commuters Aren't Very 'Eco-Friendly,' Survey Finds
Kelly Services Global Workforce Index Finds Workers Much Prefer Their Own Vehicles Over Public Transportation
| Source: Kelly Services, Inc.
TROY, MI -- (MARKET WIRE) -- April 20, 2007 -- Despite growing awareness of the positive role
that mass transit can play in addressing global warming, a new
international workplace survey by leading staffing company Kelly Services
(NASDAQ : KELYA ) (NASDAQ : KELYB ) finds that many Americans aren't as
eco-friendly as their global colleagues when it comes to getting to and
from work.
The Kelly Services Global Workforce Index found that only 34 percent of the Americans
surveyed prefer public transportation over their own vehicle for their
daily commute. That's about half the global average of 64 percent and the
second-lowest rate among all countries surveyed (Turkey came in at 29
percent).
Earth Day
2007, being celebrated April 22, is focusing worldwide attention on the
impact of climate change and finding solutions.
But the survey strongly suggests that it may be a lack of convenience and
accessibility -- not anti-environment attitudes -- that is steering many
Americans to their own wheels. Only 51 percent of those surveyed said they
had the choice of public transportation, compared with a global average of
72 percent and as much as 90 percent or more in Hong Kong, Hungary,
Indonesia and Russia.
"Many people are perfectly happy to use public transportation rather than
drive a private motor vehicle, but if the system is inaccessible or too
costly, they are left with little choice," said George Corona, senior vice
president of Kelly Services. "A public transportation system that is
dependable, safe and affordable, however, can make a valuable contribution
to the economy as well as to individual prosperity by making it easier for
people to find a job and keep it."
Asked what single factor would encourage greater use of public
transportation, the largest group of Americans (32 percent) cited more
convenient access, followed by more frequent services (16 percent) and
lower prices (10 percent). Concerns about safety and comfort ranked
relatively low.
"Convenient, reliable public transportation can make a difference in
people's job satisfaction and productivity because it eliminates a workday
stress," said Corona. "It also facilitates their ability to change jobs or
work flexible hours, enabling them to react quickly to the needs of
business in response to fluctuating economic conditions and employment
trends."
Globally, the biggest users of public transportation were in Asia.
Indonesia topped the list with 93 percent, followed by Hong Kong (88
percent) and Singapore (86 percent).
The survey sought the views of approximately 70,000 people in 28 countries,
including more than 3,000 in the United States.
About Kelly Services
Kelly Services, Inc. (NASDAQ : KELYA ) (NASDAQ : KELYB ) is a Fortune 500
company headquartered in Troy, Mich., offering staffing solutions that include temporary
staffing services, outsourcing, vendor on-site and full-time placement.
Kelly operates in 32 countries and territories. Kelly provides employment
to more than 750,000 employees annually, with skills including office
services, accounting, engineering, information technology, law, science,
marketing, creative services, light industrial, education, and health care.
Revenue in 2006 was $5.6 billion. Visit www.kellyservices.com.