Increasing business productivity and efficiency is an important goal for all business owners. While there are many complex and expensive solutions to achieving this goal, there are also some quick fixes to be had just by equipping all computers with a larger monitor, or multiple screens. It may seem unnecessary, but studies conducted by Microsoft, Apple, and the University of Utah have shown improvement in employee performance when tasks were set on either of the two options above.
In a survey of 108 university and non-university personnel, conducted by the University of Utah and ATI Technologies, the use of Dual Screen monitors led to reported increases in productivity, with 33% fewer errors, 16% faster edits, 6% quicker access to tasks, as well as usability benefits of 45% easier task tracking, 32% faster performance, and 24% more comfortable to use than single monitor set ups. Participants found it faster, easier, and more effective to use multiple monitors to complete the tasks set, compared to a single monitor. This study translates into a work environment. If confronted with multiple tabs containing reams of data, it is easier to cope if the information can be spread across a wider area. You would be able to view more at once, without having to switch between tabs, which makes the work flow more smoothly.
The multi-monitor configuration also leads to greater employee satisfaction. As business owners around the world know, when workers are happy, their output is faster, and of a higher quality. Multiple screens make it easier to navigate and organise different sets of data. Easier navigation and organisation means less frustration and timewasting. Tasks are completed sooner, and with more efficiency, which increases satisfaction and morale in workers, as they become more comfortable with their abilities to complete tasks.
Microsoft, too, conducted a study that yielded some interesting facts in support of larger computer screens. Participants involved were able to complete the tasks set at least 10% faster – and some as much as 44% faster. They were also more likely to remember a seven-digit number, which shows that multitasking is less taxing when the activities are presented on a larger screen.
Larger screens are also better for your health: small monitors are responsible for eye-strain and fatigue, particularly when trying to focus on information that’s crammed closer together. Basic ergonomics dictates that there’s a healthy way to sit at a computer that many people have to ignore because otherwise they can’t see properly. Larger screens allow information to be spread out and presented in a bigger format, which makes it visually easier to cope with. Few people like to be hunched over a small monitor when they can sit back and still experience the same quality on a larger screen.
Increasing the size of computer monitors, or making the shift to multiple monitors is a natural step for businesses that rely heavily on computer activities in day-to-day running. Choosing which one to go for depends on the business activities you engage in, and the type of staff you employ. For those faced with large amounts of information, multiple monitors would have more appeal. For others who focus on details, or have health problems, larger monitors would be best. As the business owner, this is your decision to make. The only problem is, once you make the move to larger screens and multiple monitors, it’ll be hard to go back to a single screen!
