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Dual monitor working can increase productivity by 10%
Space-pod recommends dual monitor working wherever possible in the modern office environment. But don't just take our word for it:
NEC-Mitsubishi Press Release: Multiple Monitors Increase Productivity
CHICAGO - October 6, 2005. Setting a new trend among computer users in the workforce, multi-monitor computing can contribute to increased productivity and enhanced employee satisfaction among corporate users. NEC-Mitsubishi Electronics
Display of America, Inc., the number one stand-alone vendor of flat panel desktop displays, ATI Technologies, and the University of Utah, today released the results of the first ever systematic study of productivity increases across ordinary office tasks using multiple monitor configurations.
The study, entitled Productivity and Multi-Screen Displays examines how multiple monitor configurations increase user productivity and usability. Traditionally used by professionals in the financial or graphics industry, multi-monitor computing is becoming an affordable and effective solution to the increasingly demanding computing scenarios faced by employees in mainstream corporate America. Providing users with the ability to access more information and images simultaneously, multiple monitor configurations allow for more efficient multi-tasking between applications.
“The study reveals multi-screen users get on task quicker, work faster and get more work done with fewer errors editing documents, spreadsheets, and graphic files in comparison with single screen users,” said Dr. James Anderson, professor at the University of Utah’s Department of Communication. “The technology required to support multi-monitor computing is not only affordable, it has become standard within operating systems and LCD displays. Multiple monitor configurations are poised to become the new standard in the workplace.”
By enabling users to work between multiple applications and resolving the need to view and process a multitude of information sources simultaneously, multiple monitor configurations allow users to move and size a variety of information and images across an or all screens to increase productivity. Overall respondents in the study were 10 percent more productive using multiple monitor set ups.
Multi-monitor computing can impact a company’s ROI, when considering the value of errorless work. The study results show that respondents increased their errorless production by 18 percent using multi-screen configurations. In addition, prices of LCD monitors are projected to decline significantly over the next five years which will further increase the ROI.
Additionally, multi-monitor configurations can positively impact employee morale, making users feel more comfortable with their ability to complete tasks by allowing for quick navigation and higher task focus. Participants in the study considered multi-screen configurations significantly more useful than single screens and preferred multiple monitor setups on every measure of usability. They found them 29 percent more effective for tasks, 24 percent more comfortable to use in tasks and found it 39 percent easier to move around sources of information.
The Move Toward Multi-Monitor Computing Organizations can realize significant gains in productivity by simply implementing multiple monitor computing in any situation where multiple screens of information are an ordinary part of daily work. Compared to other technology upgrades, multi-monitor computing has an extremely low learning curve and does not require the significant training investment that companies typically face when implementing a new technology.
Task efficiencies resulting from multi-monitor computing is apparent in a number of application conditions. The act of transferring edits from one draft to another is made simple in a multi-screen configuration where the two documents can be arranged in parallel configuration so that both texts are in full view without any reduction in size. The user can easily confirm the placement of edits through direct observations. Large spreadsheets can be viewed across all the screens in their entirety, allowing the data entry operator to track the proper row of entry. This allows spreadsheets to be accessed completely and manipulated with a full view of the results. Even seemingly simple tasks like proofreading are enhanced by multi-screen displays and eliminate the need to print pages of copy by editing directly in slide, spreadsheet and text applications.
“Extending the benefits of greater screen real estate through multi-monitor computing is a natural next step for corporations whose employees rely heavily on computers for dayto- day tasks,’ says Chris Connery, director of marketing and product line management for NEC-Mitsubishi Electronics Display of America. “Displaying onscreen information over more than one monitor can significantly increase productivity and LCD displays are ideal for use in multi-monitor configurations with their reduced footprint, space and energy requirements.”
ends.
Variety As the Spice of Work
Several studies point to a strong preference among workers for postural variation.
By OH&S Staff
Editor's note: Static postures aren't harmless; they can cause low back pain, varicose veins, and other problems. Sit to stand postures are preferable, says Ann Hall, marketing manager for LINAK U.S. Inc. LINAK, a Scandinavian company with its North and South American headquarters located in Louisville, Ky., provides movement by electric actuation for customers who design and manufacture a multitude of finished products, including sit-stand desks. Hall discussed postural variation and adjustable workstations in a March 9, 2005, conversation with Occupational Health & Safety's editor that is excerpted here.
Why is systematic postural variation preferable to sitting or standing?
Ann Hall: Holding one position where very little movement occurs (static posture) is a risk factor for ergonomic injuries that can lead to worker's compensation claims and time away from work.
From the management perspective, sit to stand is preferable because it decreases the risk of injury and thus the risk of costs. Additionally, sit to stand variation can boost productivity by reducing the length and quantity of worker breaks, decrease absenteeism, and delay the onset of muscle fatigue that typically occurs by the end of the work day. From the worker's perspective, sit to stand is preferable because it gives added flexibility, comfort, and helps protect them from injury.
From a medical point of view, why is postural variation preferable?
Sitting still in an upright unsupported position places 70 percent more static loading on the upper body than standing does. Prolonged sitting has been associated with discomfort of the back, lower extremities, neck, and shoulder. Reports of varicose veins, stiff necks, and numbness in the legs are more common among seated employees than among those doing heavier tasks. Effects of prolonged standing include swelling of the legs, sore feet, varicose veins, static muscle fatigue, and low back pain.
Minor postural changes typically do not provide the adequate break to relieve the fatigued muscles. Alternating between sitting and standing postures gives enough postural change to allow specific body parts to rest. This helps reduce the impact and alter the load experienced by body parts throughout the day. Movement is important to keep the spine healthy, improve circulation, and reduce muscle fatigue.
What evidence do we have that workers prefer variation?
Several studies point to a strong preference for postural variation. In a study done out of Cornell University, there was a strong preference of 82.4 percent for using electric height adjustable workstations (EHAW). Over 81 percent of participants reported standing one or more times a day to work, and 18 percent reported standing five or more times.
These results are further supported by a 70 percent preferred posture rating from a Curtin University study and an 82 percent positive rating from subjects participating in a Miami of Ohio University study. Subjects in the Miami study also acknowledged they would stand in the future if their equipment adjusted to standup height.3,6
Some excerpts from Cornell participants really tell the story:
"As soon as I started to get any pain I adjusted the table height and the pain either went away or got better. This is very necessary for working long hours.'I find that standing 3 to 4 times a day helps my neck and back. . . . This helps me to stretch and move while continuing with my work."
"With this table my sitting and working posture felt good. Before, I would start wriggling in the afternoon--I stopped squirming in my chair with this adjustable height workstation."
"I like the sit-stand configuration since it gives me the flexibility of standing up while typing. Also, it is easier for 2 people working and typing at the same time.'"
The small amount of users who do not prefer postural variation can still benefit from a sit-stand desk because they can adjust the desk to the precise height that works best for their body dimension. This is a huge benefit in itself that can help eliminate awkward postures -another risk factor.
When space-pod designs your office environment, we will always consider the ways in which your staff can benefit from better desk ergonomics and desk productivity tools, such as dual monitor working. Very popular at the moment are solutions which allow us to raise a laptop computer up off the worksurface and ustilise a second monitor on the same support arm.
