Our offices have been using a dual monitor setup for a number of years now. While I do not need any extensive research to tell me that I am vastly increasing our productivity (I can see it myself everyday), there are several studies that are coming out that are promoting the advantages of dual monitors.
In a recent study from the University of Utah, people using two 20-inch monitors were 44% faster than those that used a single 18-inch monitor. For the many businesses that are strapped with the need for additional personnel, they must ask – do I really need employees or do I need the proper equipment for the employees I have?
Microsoft Researchers conducted user studies at determining the effectiveness of adding a second monitor to their workstations. Their findings report that dual monitors increased productivity anywhere from 9% to 50% depending upon the person performing the tasks and the type of task.
The bottom line is that if you are even able to squeeze a mere 10% more productivity out of an employee, your cost savings can be extraordinary. For more information on the Microsoft study, please visit http://research.microsoft.com/displayarticle.aspx?id=433
I have been to numerous tax and accounting conferences and in the technology portion, dual monitors is always the strongest point of emphasis that is made. There are always the usual doubters – people that have been doing things the same way for 40 years and refuse to change anything. There are two additional things that are always consistent in these discussions. The first thing is that there is never anyone in the room who has gone to dual monitors that will not rave about them. Secondly, there is not a single dual monitor user in the room that will EVER let you take their dual monitors away from them – me included. I hope to have three monitors before long!
Chad Bordeaux is a Certified Public Accountant residing in Lake Wylie, SC - just outside of Charlotte, NC. He has a wide range of experience through his years in corporate accounting and is now a partner with Bordeaux & Bordeaux, CPAs, PA. You can visit his websites at http://www.redwolfpayroll.com or http://www.yourcpapartners.com
