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Press Release
10th May 2006EUROPEAN RESEARCH REVEALS 39% OF OFFICE WORKERS DAMAGING THEIR HEALTH, PRODUCTIVITY AND MOTIVATION WITH ‘OLD’ IT EQUIPMENT
 Users of old computers are 34% more likely to take a week sick-leave, or more
Job satisfaction is lower amongst users of old computer equipment
75% of old equipment users say they could be more productive
ViewSonic® Corp, a worldwide leader in visual display products, today announced independent research results investigating the impact of outdated monitors and computer equipment in the office. The poll of over 2,700 European office workers revealed a clear link between outdated computer equipment, low job satisfaction, poor productivity, workplace ailments and increased sick-leave.
Online responses were collated from office workers in the UK, (1,136), France (920) and Germany (646), by independent research organisation Tickbox.net in February and March 2006.
Ill-effects associated with old computers are being reported across Europe by a large proportion of the workforce. Across Europe more than a third (38.8%) of office workers are using computers and monitors which are at least three years old, with French workers faring the worst (43.4%). Across all three countries, women were consistently found to be more likely to be users of five-year-old equipment; in the UK this was most marked with 5% of men vs 10% women using the oldest IT equipment.
The British are most likely to have IT equipment less than a year old (26%)
For France and the UK using outdated IT is the most annoying factor of office life
27% of Brits using three-year-old equipment are dissatisfied with their day-to-day role
17% of French users of five-year-old computers/monitors took more than 10 days sick-leave a year compared with 9.6% of the overall workforce
75% of office workers with five-year-old equipment agreed that they would be more productive if their workspace was upgraded
42% of Germans think a better monitor would deliver a big improvement to their workspace
21% of those with five-year-old computers are envious of senior workers with better IT equipment
“This research clearly shows that there’s a huge opportunity for those companies that upgrade computer equipment in the workplace in terms of healthier, more motivated and productive staff,” 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
It was found that rates of workplace dissatisfaction increase significantly with the age of computer equipment. UK: 24% of users with five-year-old equipment were dissatisfied compared to 16% for those with completely up-to-date computers/monitors. France: 14% for the workforce generally but 18% for those with three-year-old IT equipment. In Germany the figures are 13% and 16% respectively.
Only 19% of French workers have IT equipment which is less than a year old, this compares with 24% in Germany and 26% in the UK.
· Sickness
18% of European workers say they take six or more days ill per year (UK: 15.7%, France: 14.5% Germany: 24.8%). The research found that if workers are using old equipment (5 years plus) they are 35% more likely to have taken 6+ days ill compared with the average worker. This was particularly noted in France where there was a 55% increase in likelihood.
When asked about comfort in the workspace it was found that 66% of workers suffer from poor temperature control, eye fatigue, headaches, RSI, poor lighting or inappropriate desk layout. The issue is most prevalent in France where 50% of office workers complain of eye fatigue, headaches and RSI. The response was significantly higher among clerical/admin workers, 56% in France for instance. This group was also found to be using the oldest equipment.
· Office irks, comfort and productivity
When asked about annoyance factors in the workplace, 34% of Europeans said that using outdated equipment was an annoyance factor in the office; in France (42%) and the UK (37% ) it was the most common answer. Other answers were given as cramped work environment/lack of space (27%), old fashioned/unfashionable workspace (19%).
When asked if they could be more productive in their day-to-day role if their workspace was upgraded 59% of workers agreed. The response was strongest amongst those using five-year-old equipment (75%) and 16-24 year olds (70%).
80% of Europe’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 (37%) lighting (31%), or more modern desktop equipment (29%).
· Screen Envy and the Office ‘Have Nots’
13% 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 21% from those whose equipment was over five 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 reflected 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,” continued Mel Taylor.
The full research findings available at: http://www.viewsoniceurope.com/uk/Press/PressReleases.htm
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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