Looking for ways to save time and work more efficiently? You may want to consider dual monitors for your workstations. The facts will surprise you.
If only there were more hours in the day—more hours to work, to spend with family, and to do all those little things we've been putting off. We may not be able to add hours to the day, but we can make the most of the ones we have. At the office, this can mean changing the way we work; working smarter to save time, stress and fatigue. One of the best ways to do this is also one that is surprisingly simple. Two monitors. If you've never considered this solution (or even if you have), you'll want to take a closer look.
Two is better than one!
Sometimes the simplest solution is the right one. Over the past five years, no advancement in software or hardware has proven as successful at increasing productivity as the addition of a second monitor to your desktop. Dual monitors have been proven to boost the productivity of heavy computer users (those who spend at least five hours a day on a computer) by as much as 30 percent!
Since the first major study on the topic was published in 2003, the evidence to support this conclusion has been mounting. The landmark study in this area, "Productivity and Multi-Screen Displays," conducted by NEC-Mitsubishi, ATI Technologies and the University of Utah, found multi-screen desktop configurations "significantly more useful" and "preferred Ö on every measure of usability" when compared to standard single-screen setups. The dual monitor configuration was found to be 29 percent more effective for tasks, 24 percent more comfortable to use in tasks, and 39 percent easier for moving information around. "Respondents got on task quicker, did the work faster, and got more of the work done with fewer errors in multi-screen configurations than with a single screen," the study concluded.
Dual monitor users report that the use of multiple displays saves time because it eliminates the tasks of minimizing windows and toggling between applications; and the working public seems to be taking notice. In a study conducted by consulting firm Jon Peddie Research, 32 percent of the people surveyed said they were currently using multiple displays, and 55 percent of those who weren't said they wanted or planned to use this configuration in the very near future.
David Campbell, Director of Operations for Optimal Networks is among those championing the multiple-screen configuration. "It is the single best investment Optimal has made to help me improve my productivity and efficiency," Campbell says. "I really can't imagine life without it now."
What will it cost?
Incorporating dual monitors into your organization's culture will incur three costs per heavy computer user. First, experts recommend purchasing two monitors of the same size for multi-display computing; two 19" flat screen monitors will cost around $250 each for a PC. Second, you will need a video card ($150) that will handle dual monitors. Finally, the installation of a dual monitor system on a desktop will cost approximately $100. Per workstation, these components add up to an estimated cost of $500 over a single monitor configuration.
Is it worth it?
The answer is yes, according to Betsy Monaghan, systems manager for Human Resources inc. (HRi), a human resources outsourcing company serving more than 150 employers in more than 17 states. "We decided to standardize the dual monitor set-up because our employees work in two main applications," says Monaghan. "It just made sense for us to be able to work within both applications at the same time without having to maximize and minimize windows. Our data entry productivity has doubled since."
This is an investment that will continue to pay for itself. Let's assume that you employ a heavy computer user who earns $50,000 in annual salary. That employee's time spent on the computer adds up to 25 hours a week, and approximately 1,250 a year. Even if that employee's dual monitor system increased his or her productivity by just 10 percent, the company will have gained an additional 125 hours of productivity (or, in this case, $3,125) from that employee. The multi-display configuration has paid for itself five times over in just the first year.
The Last Word
Few solutions offer the same opportunity for making the most of your time in the office as a dual monitor workstation. While the upfront cost of implementation must be considered, the benefits are substantial and immediate, returning your investment many times over in just a brief period. If your organization relies heavily on the joint functionalities of two or more applications, dual monitors could be the advantage you didn't even know you were looking for.
If you have a question regarding any of the information contained within this article, or would like more information or assistance implementing dual monitor workstations at your organization, contact Optimal Networks at 240-499-7900 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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