From 9-5 to 24/7: Tech Tips for the Overworked Force plays” study, people using multiple monitors are 10 percent more productive than single-monitorusers. Simplify mobile technology. Instead of carrying a cell phone, (NAPSA)—According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), Americans work more hours per week than people in other parts of the world. In fact, the ILO found Americans work an average of nine PDA and MP3 player, consider terparts in Western Europe. This fact—combined with an unstable in-one devices combine e-mail, Web adopting a smartphone. These all- weeks more a year than their coun- browsing, custom business applications with a music player, digital camera and even built-in GPS through an intuitive user interface. They can help keep users on time, organized and having fun. Use visual ergonomic technology. According to the 2007 American economy, shrinking workforce, technology improvements and global business efforts—is turning the American workforce into the American overworkedforce. Employees increasingly are concerned about their companies’ bottom line—and, ultimately, their jobs. Today’s business leaders are reducing their workforce in an effort to improve productivity and reduce operating costs. With layoffs on the rise and employers frequently choosing not to fill positions left open when employees leave for other opportunities, corporate downsizing is the norm. As a result, the pressure to perform and employee stress levels are at an all-time high. Today’s “always on” technologies, including laptops, PDAs and cell phones, also contribute to the problem. Technology has created an ultraconnected workforce, effectively extending the workday and the workweek. Consequently, businessmen and women need to discover ways to combat fatigue and other physical effects of working long, intense hours. Ironically, technology can also provide some of the best methods to help ease stress: Use break-reminder software. Longer workdays mean more hours at the computer and a greater risk of repetitive strain injuries. Research shows taking breaks can increase efficiency and fight off Eye-Q survey, 82 percent of Ameri- For people who use computers, digital performance eyewear can help reduce eye fatigue. fatigue. “Break reminder” software can encourage you—oreven force you—to take a break. The soft- ware’s functionality ranges from a simple pop-up to interactive elements like games, videos and exercises. Some of these programs are available free online. Schedule personal time electronically. Electronic calendarpro- grams are how manyof us stay organized at work, but they can cans frequently work with either a computer or a wireless handheld device. Gunnar Optiks has created digital performance eyewearto help reduce eye fatigue caused by digital data streams from computers,cell phones and PDAs. Manyoffice environments are not equipped for visual performance and Gunnars can help ease stress placed on eyes from external light sources such as fluorescent lights and computer screen glare by relaxing the ocular muscles. This can help employees be more effective and productive throughoutthe day. History shows when times are also help you manage time away from the office. Schedule appoint- good, employers find ways of improving the work environment. and family outings. This will not during times of economic distress. A sluggish economy leads companies ments for meals, gym workouts only help you stay organized, but also help you schedule time to relax and rejuvenate. Give your work space a technology makeover. Find ways to make your cubical or office more Conversely, they do more with less to lay off workers, resulting in fewer workers doing the same (or more work), which can affect overall quality and efficiency. These simple efficient and comfortable by evaluating chair position, computer ideas, such as using multiple monitors, smartphones and Gunnarsto improve productivity, can help the University of Utah/NEC “Productivity and Multi-Screen Dis- performanceand achieve an edge in today’s changing work environment. setup and lighting. According to employees achieve success, improve
