Increase Productivity Through Split Screens (On One Monitor)
Posted by Jan Wencel on Wed, Jun 29, 2011
Many studies have been conducted on the merits of adding a monitor to increase productivity. According to a survey by Jon Peddie Research, you can increase productivity between 20 to 30 percent depending on the activity.
Two Chicago productivity coaching clients of mine have a four-monitor system like pictured. I wonder where the line in between enhanced time management & loss of production due to distractions?
If you don't yet have two screens or if the budget/IT support doesn't allow, consider using Windows 7 functionality to deliver dual screen advantages with only one monitor. That's right, Windows 7 OS allows you to view & work from two screens--moving your mouse from application to application without rendering either useless as was the case in older operating systems.
Here's how:
Step 1: Open the documents or websites you want to view side by side. (Note: if you want to look at two of the same application side by side, you will need to open the application twice.)
Step 2: Go to the screen you want to view on the left. Hold the Windows icon key down & tap the left arrow key (or drag the top edge of the window to the left edge of your screen & let go). This will move your first window to the left.
Step 3. Go to the screen you want to view on the right. Hold the Windows icon key down & tap the right arrow key (or drag the top edge of the window to the right edge of your screen & let go). This will move your second window to the right.
I use this maneuver for cutting & pasting from one program to the next, and for looking @ my calendar when drafting an email. What situations do you find having dual monitors useful?