Productivity

Firms block access to FaceBook

Judi Hasson — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:00:38 -0400

Concerned about worker distractions, nearly one in four companies are now blocking employee access to social networking websites like Facebook and MySpace, according to a new survey of human resources professionals. Challenger, Gray & Christmas--a consulting firm that conducted the survey--said the use of the social networking sites has grown during work hours and is worrying some employers who view the communication tool of the new generation as a "productivity killer."

The survey found that 23 percent of companies polled block access to these sites entirely. Yet some companies have a totally different perspective, with 8 percent saying they encouraged employees to use social networking sites, and 10 percent viewing them as invaluable marketing, networking and sales tools. At the same time, the majority of firms--59 percent--have no formal policy at all.

To learn more about social networking:
- check out this NetworkWorld article

Farm workers vs IT workers on H-1B visas

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 06:59:59 -0400

Legislation to make it easier for foreign high tech workers to stay in the U.S. ran into a bit of a buzz saw last week from one lawmaker who wants the same kind of equity for immigrants further down the economic scale.

Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) told a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing that the high tech companies should get "the innovators they need,'' but added that farm workers are "just as critical and relevant to the innovation of that industry." He urged the panel to take a "holistic approach" to immigration so that the most vulnerable "are not stigmatized by actions of the Congress."

His concerns reflect one of many elements involved in the contentious effort to reform the nation's immigration system, and why the push to separately raise caps on H-1B visas and green cards faces such a difficult time in Congress.

For more on the ongoing immigration debate:
- see this Computerworld.com article

How to control information overload

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 06:59:58 -0400

We have come to rely on cell phone calls, email and instant messages, and perhaps have even become consumed by them. At work, companies have found this handy, can't-do-without technology is at times affecting attention spans and hurting productivity. So now, some of the biggest technology firms--the ones in part responsible for this communications revolution--are trying to help it to slow down.

The New York Times reports that Microsoft, Intel, Google and IBM are among those "banding together to fight information overload,'' and have formed a nonprofit group to study the problem, publicize it and devise ways to help workers--theirs and others--deal with the "digital deluge.''

To read about their efforts:
- check out The New York Times article

RSI costs UK businesses big time

Paul Mah — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 05:00:41 -0400

Not surprisingly, the increased use of computers and laptops is resulting in a continual stream of RSI complaints. In fact, Microsoft reports that RSI costs UK businesses around $300 million in lost productivity, with other studies putting overall incidence rate at between five and ten percent. Article

Text messaging not just for the young

Thu, 01 May 2008 06:59:58 -0400

For most CIOs, IT managers and long time computer specialists, text messaging may seem to be part of the hard-to-fathom under-30 culture and little more than a method of trivial cell-to-cell communication. But CIO Magazine says that texting could be one more tool in the IT productivity arsenal--like email and instant messaging. The magazine offers 10 ways that using text messaging technology could be of help, including accessing a Google calendar on the phone to remember and schedule appointments; using phone web services to track packages; and sending messages to your PC.

For details on 10 killer texting tricks:
- See this CIO Magazine article

More tech stories from the FierceCIO network:
> Details on the forthcoming BlackBerry 9000
> AMD unveils enterprise PCs
> Unlike Microsoft, Dell to keep offering Windows XP

Telecommuting can ease recession pain

Thu, 01 May 2008 06:59:56 -0400

Rising gasoline prices and the financial impact on employees should make IT managers stand up and take notice. What should they do? Well, consider letting more of your valued employees telecommute. This means that IT managers should have a solid remote computing plan in place, providing a framework that will help get the job done and increase employee satisfaction. Fewer hours on the road could mean more productivity and certainly a savings in both time and money for tech professionals. The technology certainly makes it possible.

To read more about this emerging trend:
- See this eWeek article

Lenovo axes 4:3 ThinkPad T61

Mehan Jayasuriya — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:34:23 -0400

You've probably noticed that these days, more and more laptops are going widescreen, opting for a 16:9 display rather than the old standard, 4:3. In fact, vendors like Apple, Sony and HP have transitioned their entire lineup to widescreen during the past few years, though that didn't have too much of an impact on enterprise folks. But now, the death of the standard aspect ratio laptop is hitting home: Lenovo has discontinued the ThinkPad T61, the last 4:3 laptop left in the company's lineup aside from the ultraportable 12.1" X-series. While many folks prefer the widescreen look, one Slashdot reader points out that there's a certain subsection of enterprise users who crave the increased vertical space of standard laptop displays: developers. "Less vertical space = less lines of code in the screen = more scrolling = less productivity." Are you sad to see 4:3 laptops go the way of matte screens, or do you welcome the widescreen revolution with open arms? Hit us up in the comments and let us know.

For more on the announcement:
- see this Slashdot article

Vista update zaps USB devices

Mehan Jayasuriya — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:06:44 -0400

Been eyeing that Windows Vista SP1 pre-requisite KB938371 update? You might want to hold off, at least for the time being. Turns out that the update has been inadvertently disabling USB devices like mice and keyboards on some systems--which is not exactly the most useful feature from a productivity standpoint. "We are aware of concerns that a recent Microsoft update may be causing problems with USB devices," the company admitted in a statement. "We are investigating the matter, and at this time, do not have any information to share." In other SP1 news, the service pack still has yet to make its way out via Automatic Update, though it has been available as a download from Microsoft for some time now.

For more on Vista SP1:
- see this Register story

Internet addiction: a mental disorder?

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 07:59:59 -0400

The Internet has finally made the journals--the psychiatry journals that is. The American Journal of Psychiatry reports that its official guidebook of mental disorders has officially outlined Internet addiction as a mental disorder. The description includes distinct symptoms displayed by sufferers. These include withdrawal and an associated sense of anger or depression when a computer is not available. The conditions are difficult to treat because Internet addiction is "resistant to treatment, entails significant risks and has high relapse rates." You might think it's a big problem in the United States but the problem is most acute in South Korea, where Internet addiction is one of the country's "most serious public health issues."

For more on the Internet and addiction:
- See this Vnunet.com article

CIOs can help a manager shine

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 07:59:56 -0400

While a company's managers may not always be tech savvy, they would be wise to embrace the expertise of a CIO, according to research firm IDC. In today's topsy-turvy and competitive world, a manager can tap into a CIO's expertise and realize many gains. "While managers may indeed be successful, the Chief Information Officer (CIO) can help them improve on success--which is one of the exciting opportunities for a CIO," IDC senior vice-president Frank Gens said.

But to do that, CIOs need credibility as executives who understand business issues and the marketplace. The smart manager must realize that complicated issues such as productivity, overhead costs and employee retention all are areas where a CIO's expertise may be used to harness a company's best performance. And if you are manager working in a silo, it might be time to build a bridge to the very experts who can help you shine at your job.

To read more on helping managers succeed:
- see this gulfnews.com article