Press Release
10th May 2006UK RESEARCH REVEALS 1/3 OF OFFICE WORKERS DAMAGING THEIR HEALTH, PRODUCTIVITY AND MOTIVATION WITH ‘OLD’ IT EQUIPMENT
• Users of outdated equipment are 18% more likely to take a week, or more, sick-leave
• Job satisfaction is lower amongst users of old computer equipment
• 77% of old equipment users say they could be more productive
ViewSonic® Corp, a worldwide leader in visual display products, today announced results from an independent research project investigating the impact of outdated computer equipment in the office. The online survey of 1,136 workers in the UK was conducted by Tickbox.net in February and March 2006 and revealed a clear link between outdated computer equipment, low job satisfaction levels, workplace ailments and increased sick-leave.
More than a third (35%) of office workers are using computers and monitors which are five years old or possibly more. In this group, women are almost twice as likely as men to have old equipment. Regionally, Scottish workers are least likely of all to have equipment which is less than a year old (17.6% compared with a national average of 26.4%). Of industry sectors polled, Travel and Transport fared worst in terms of age of equipment, being more than twice as likely to be using equipment that is five years old or more.
The research found that amongst users of old equipment (5 years or more)
 - 24% are quite or very dissatisfied with their day-to-day role
- 11% took more than 10 days sick-leave compared with 8% in the workforce generally
- 77% say they could be more productive
- 23% are envious of senior workers with better IT equipment
Stewart Masterton, a Business Link adviser commented: “With the right hardware and software your IT can increase the efficiency and productivity of your business. As well as good working practice, businesses can reap huge benefits in terms of happy, healthy and motivated
staff by ensuring their equipment is fit to task and up to date. However, while IT systems are advancing all the time, it is important to focus on what you want your IT to achieve for you rather than investing in new technology for technologies sake.”
“This research clearly shows that there’s a huge benefit for those companies that upgrade computer equipment in the workplace,” said Mel Taylor, VP Director of European Marketing, ViewSonic Europe. “We all know that better IT equipment makes our lives easier, here’s the proof that it can also help make us healthier and happier.”
· Satisfaction
When asked about job satisfaction levels, 21% of workers said they were either very or quite dissatisfied; this level was highest at 26% amongst the 25-34 year age group. It was found that rates of workplace dissatisfaction double with the age of computer equipment; 24% for users with five-year-old equipment compared with 16% for those with completely up-to-date computers/monitors.
Regionally, the North East has the highest levels of job dissatisfaction with 32%, whereas in Northern Ireland respondents appear to be happiest with 91% saying they are quite or very satisfied with their day-to-day role. In London, 23% of office workers are dissatisfied.
· Sickness
16% of workers say they have six or more days ill per year, with this figure rising to 25% in the public sector. The research found that if workers are using old equipment (5 years plus) they are 18% more likely to have taken a week or more off work, compared with the average worker.
Regionally, workers in the North East and Wales seem to be the unhealthiest, with only 30% and 28% (respectively), saying that they’ve taken no sick days in the last twelve months. (Nationally this figure is 37%.) Indeed, 16% of the North East’s workforce admit to taking more than 10 days in the past year compared with 9% in London and a national average of 8%.
When asked about comfort in the workspace it was found that 70% of workers suffer from poor temperature control, eyestrain, headaches, RSI, poor lighting or inappropriate desk layout. The incidence of eye-strain, headaches and RSI was seen to be much higher in those aged 16-24 who are just entering the world of work, 44% of whom reported suffering from these problems. This group was also found to be using the oldest equipment.
· Office irks, comfort and productivity
When asked about the annoyance factors in the workplace, 64% of Brits suffered from one of the following: using outdated/old/unreliable computer equipment (37%), cramped work environment/lack of space (29%), old fashioned/unfashionable workspace (21%). These annoyances were felt more keenly in London where 69% of workers complained of at least one of these issues. The least complaints were received from those in the South West (52%).
When asked if they would be more productive in their day-to-day role if their workspace was upgraded 57% of workers agreed, this rose to 67% in South West region. The response was strongest amongst those using 5 year old equipment (77%) and 16-24 year olds (73%).
77% of Britain’s office workers believe that one or more of the following would make a ‘big improvement’ in their workspace; more space (44%), better chair (39%) better quality monitor or lighting (both with 29%), or more modern desktop equipment. However amongst workers with old equipment the biggest response was ‘a better quality monitor’ (60%).
· Screen Envy and the Office ‘Have Nots’
15% of office workers suffer from ‘screen envy’ saying that it irked them that senior workers have access to better computer equipment. This response jumped to 23% from those whose equipment was over 5 years old. The survey found that senior management are most likely to have the best equipment and clerical and administrative staff to have the worst.
“Computer monitors have traditionally been used as an indicator of status in the office yet they should be seen as productivity tools. There’s a clear business argument for giving the best monitors to those doing screen-intensive work. It is worrying to see that those who are most likely to be desk-bound in screen-intensive roles are the technology ‘have nots’ of today” said Mel Taylor.
The full research findings available at: http://www.viewsoniceurope.com/data/522/Office_Env_UK_Viewsonic_Research.pdf
For more information about setting up an IT system to suit your business needs visit www.businesslink4london.com.
About ViewSonic:
ViewSonic® Corporation, a worldwide leader in visual display products, offers a comprehensive range of display solutions for today’s business, education and consumer electronics markets. The company's products have won more than 2,000 awards globally from respected specialist publications and organisations. Headquartered in Walnut, California, ViewSonic was founded in 1987 and is a privately held corporation.
For further information contact:
UK
Europe
Marie Pinon
Press Relations Europe
ViewSonic Europe Ltd.
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Forward-looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including all statements relating to the performance expectations of ViewSonic products, business opportunities or financial performance. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different than expectations. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, ViewSonic’s dependence on third-party manufacturers; its need to maintain and expand its sales channels; market acceptance of ViewSonic's products; general industry trends, including cyclical trends in the PC and visual display industries; and the impact of competitive products and pricing alternatives. Investors are advised to read ViewSonic’s Form 10 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, particularly the section entitled “Factors that May Affect ViewSonic’s Business and Financial Results.”
Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and ViewSonic undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.
Trademark footnote: All corporate names and trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
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