Making The Case For Why Dual Monitors Increase Workplace Productivity

You may have sat at your desk, staring at your computer screen thinking, “It sure would be nice if I had two monitors.” In the following few words, we aim to give you irrefutable evidence to share with your management team about why adding another monitor to your desktop will increase workplace productivity.

Several studies have concluded that dual-monitor setups take productivity to the next level, including one done by researchers at Microsoft, who found that second monitor can boost productivity by up to 50% when it comes to tasks like copying and pasting[1]. A Jon Peddie Research survey also found that an extra monitor boosts output between 20-30%[2].

With a single monitor, every time a new window is brought up on the screen, your eyes and brain need to reorient themselves. These seconds of mental processing can add up. In fact, The University of Utah determined that workers could save up to 2.5 hours per day when using larger (24”) or dual monitors[3]. That means in an 8.5-hour workday, your employer will benefit from over an extra day of productivity per week from you, while you’ll enjoy more screen real estate and easier working. It’s a win-win.

Consider having your email up on one screen and a document you are working on up on the other. Do you IM a lot with coworkers about projects? Try reserving a screen for chats so you can still check email simultaneously. Or try using one screen to pull up websites or other documents you need to refer to, eliminating the need to print out materials. Simply sweep the mouse and files move from one screen to the other, enabling maximum efficiency.

If your boss won’t go for the argument that a dual-monitor set up will make you a happier, more productive employee, then suggest going with a larger screen next time your company is ready to upgrade. For instance, a 24” monitor is ideal for side-by-side dual document editing and viewing, and delivers about 50% more screen area than a single 19” model provides.

Are you using a dual-monitor setup at work? How do you feel it has impacted your productivity?