FedEx Office Survey Finds Almost Half of Full-Time Workers in the United States Believe Work/Life Balance Will Be Even More Critical in 2009

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FedEx Office, an operating company of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX), today released the results of its national “Finding Better Balance” survey, a pulse check on full-time, U.S. workers’ views towards work/life balance moving into the New Year. It might seem that personal priorities will suffer as employers cut jobs and pressure mounts for greater workplace productivity in this challenging economy. However, 47 percent of survey respondents say better work/life balance would be even more important to them in 2009, compared to 2008.

“FedEx Office Print Online helps users work smarter, more efficiently and more effectively, freeing up time to focus on higher priorities, which can lead to better work/life balance”

The online survey, conducted in late November 2008 with more than 500 full-time, U.S. workers indicates America’s labor force is looking for ways to bring balance back to their daily lives. Respondents’ ages were a significant factor in how they perceived the importance of work/life balance in 2009. A full 58 percent of 18- to 34-year-olds believe it will be more important to find better work/life balance in 2009, compared to 46 percent of those aged 35 to 54, and just 30 percent for the 50-and-over group. In addition, a full 86 percent of survey respondents plan to actively pursue this better balance in 2009.

“As we start a new year, it’s common for employees to take stock of the last 12 months and evaluate their priorities at home and in the office,” says Tracy Brightman, senior vice president of human resources for FedEx Office. “Proper work/life balance is a key factor in employee satisfaction and productivity – and there are lots of easy ways to achieve it this year.”

Start by Simplifying

As with all New Year’s resolutions, the commitment to actively pursue better work/life balance in 2009 needs to be supported with a change in behavior. The full-time, U.S. workers surveyed plan to take simple steps to get the ball rolling, including:

Take advantage of all vacation time (49 percent)
Prioritize projects (44 percent)
Create a weekly to-do list (42 percent)
Leave work at a reasonable hour (41 percent)
Take lunch breaks on a consistent basis (36 percent)

Based on her experience working for FedEx, which is an internationally-recognized best place to work, Brightman suggests the following simple strategies to help workers get the New Year started off on the path to achieving better balance:

1.		Set your priorities and stick to them. Don’t get sidelined by low-priority and last minute requests. Understanding the big picture and tackling the most important projects first will keep employees from burning the midnight oil unnecessarily.
2.		Get the support you need. No employee, no matter how stellar, can do their job in a vacuum. It’s smart to call in reinforcements early – including teammates, support staff, and external business services companies.
3.		Put technology to work for you. According to the “Finding Better Balance” survey results, many modern technologies have helped America’s workers attain better work/life balance. A full 77 percent of those surveyed said personal computers have been a major help in achieving work/life balance; 70 percent believe the same of the Internet and online business services.

Bringing in the right resources at the right time can save both money and energy – allowing employees to reduce stress and focus their efforts on high-value projects during business hours.

Time-Saving Tool

One easy-to-use tool available is FedEx Office Print Online. This online printing solution allows users to quickly and easily upload and order various documents, from printed presentations and brochures to bound reports and flyers—immediately reducing the amount of administrative work on their plates.

“FedEx Office Print Online helps users work smarter, more efficiently and more effectively, freeing up time to focus on higher priorities, which can lead to better work/life balance,” explains Brightman.

Customers can quickly upload documents, customize them by selecting various paper types and finishing options, preview their order, select delivery options, pay online or in center, and more. Beginning later this month, FedEx Office Print Online will offer the following new features: dynamic estimated pricing, enhanced virtual proof preview, and additional Microsoft PowerPoint printing options. To learn more, visit www.fedex.com/printonlinenow.

About this Survey

FedEx Office, in conjunction with the Ketchum Global Research Network, worked with Braun Research to conduct the FedEx Office “Finding Better Balance” Survey. A sample of panelists was invited to participate in Braun Research’s omnibus study. The final sample size included 501 respondents, all of whom are employed full-time; the margin of error is +/-4% at a 95% confidence level. Online interviews were conducted between Nov. 18 and Nov. 20, 2008.

About FedEx Office and Print Services

FedEx Office (formerly FedEx Kinko’s) is the world's leading provider of document solutions and business services. The Dallas-based company has a global network of more than 1,900 digitally-connected locations in 10 countries. FedEx Office offers access to copying and digital printing, professional finishing, document creation, Internet access, computer rentals, videoconferencing, signs and graphics, notary, direct mail, office products, Web-based printing, and the full range of FedEx day-definite ground shipping and time-definite global express shipping services. For more information, please visit www.fedex.com.

About FedEx Corp.

FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $39 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 290,000 employees and contractors to remain "absolutely, positively" focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. For more information, visit news.fedex.com.