light-blue
asked on
Office Politics: Flat Panel size
With the falling price of computer systems (e.g. Vostro), many computers now come with an inexpensive (or "free") LCD flat panel. Our office has a standard 17" LCD flat panel. Our "computer refresh policy" is about 2 - 3 replacements per month. I imagine some employees will complain if only replacement computers receive the larger screens, saying, "Why don't I have a large monitor?" or "When will I get the larger screen?"
I need a creative solution to this office politics problem. What have your companies done?
I need a creative solution to this office politics problem. What have your companies done?
Brian Pierce
Tricky - not only are LCD screens typically larger they are also more energy efficient, put less strain on the eye, and do not cause static and EM radiation - the users have a point !
ASKER
My thought is to charge them, albeit at a ridiculously low price, like $10-$15. Politically, we provide one standard-size screen, but a larger size may be available, purchasing priority goes to the person whose computer is to be replaced.
Please advise.
Please advise.
Seniority
SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
First of all all the flat panels should be DVI (digital).
The second I would suggest that those doing a tremendous amount of multitasking get two monitors. I have one 21 inch and one 17 inch unit. It is great for autodesk, where you can open the program twice and place a drawing on each screen. You still can use cut and paste option. These must be 170 degree viewing angles to avoid eye strain.
Lastly the others can easily do with a 17 or 19 inch monitor. I still would suggest the DVI and 170 degree angle as a standard.
The second I would suggest that those doing a tremendous amount of multitasking get two monitors. I have one 21 inch and one 17 inch unit. It is great for autodesk, where you can open the program twice and place a drawing on each screen. You still can use cut and paste option. These must be 170 degree viewing angles to avoid eye strain.
Lastly the others can easily do with a 17 or 19 inch monitor. I still would suggest the DVI and 170 degree angle as a standard.
One way that you might be able to get around the issue is to use the old monitors as second screens for the folks who do not yet rate new screens.
Leave the politics to the managers, just follow company policy, and point the complainers to the policy. The simple, "Its not my decision, I only follow policy." statement gets you out of the politics.
Then, management will either listen to the users, or just tell them to be quiet.
Just make sure that you don't get in the middle, you are the person that should make things happen, not the person who sets policy...
Leave the politics to the managers, just follow company policy, and point the complainers to the policy. The simple, "Its not my decision, I only follow policy." statement gets you out of the politics.
Then, management will either listen to the users, or just tell them to be quiet.
Just make sure that you don't get in the middle, you are the person that should make things happen, not the person who sets policy...
I think you should put a proposal together for management since they normally do not ask the employees want they want concerning PCs etc. Then they can make a recommendation based on your input and those around you.
ASKER
Our computer policy is broad. It does not specifically mention hardware, except to say, "The PC is intended to be used solely for the business needs of the company." I can make recommendations to changes to the IT-related policy. We can refer employees to the policy again in an e-mail, if they ask, though I prefer to emphasize that no policy has changed, simply that "due to improved market conditions, we are able to provide better hardware for replacement computers as part of our hardware refresh cycle."
How does that sound?
How does that sound?
Then they will start asking for their computers to be replaced, and you are back to square one.
You need a roll out plan that you can refer to as to when they may expect a change in hardware.
You need a roll out plan that you can refer to as to when they may expect a change in hardware.
ASKER
By "roll out plan," are you referring to the computer refresh rate? That rate is, in fact, 2 computers per month, which produces, at most, a 4-year life cycle, or 1 year beyond warranty, for each PC.
So you are still in the situation of who gets a new computer.
Obviously you are tracking the age of the computers through your "refresh rate", so in essence you already have an answer to those looking for new equipment. Their computers position on the refresh rate cycle. Essentially seniority, more to the point, computer seniority.
Obviously there will be computers replaced out of order, but this would be due to a problem with a computer that would need upgrading because of hardware failure or compatibility with applications.
Obviously you are tracking the age of the computers through your "refresh rate", so in essence you already have an answer to those looking for new equipment. Their computers position on the refresh rate cycle. Essentially seniority, more to the point, computer seniority.
Obviously there will be computers replaced out of order, but this would be due to a problem with a computer that would need upgrading because of hardware failure or compatibility with applications.
<<<By "roll out plan," are you referring to the computer refresh rate? That rate is, in fact, 2 computers per month, which produces, at most, a 4-year life cycle, or 1 year beyond warranty, for each PC.>>>
No, the plan also includes the priorities. Ideally it would define the queue.
If an employee can see that their neigbor got a new monitor on the basis that the neighbor is a higher grade level (or whatever), they won't feel it is arbitrary.
The problem is a problem of expectation management.
No, the plan also includes the priorities. Ideally it would define the queue.
If an employee can see that their neigbor got a new monitor on the basis that the neighbor is a higher grade level (or whatever), they won't feel it is arbitrary.
The problem is a problem of expectation management.
bigger is better category
> Why don't I have a large monitor?" or "When will I get the larger screen?"
I agree. Essentially, I keep so many windows open I really really could use one, and... the technology is essentially independent of computer age. At home my flat screen died and after a day of shock I found old monitor was not tossed out yet - and still worked well for the latest use of pixelology.
In experience, I was at company alternated, first computers then flat screen then printer then computer, --->> independently, not as a boxed set.
Some got the larger screen somehow. I gues I don't play office politics that well, not a member of that set.
As for handling company policy, I think it would go best upgrading one office at a time, so that people in eyesight of other employees can see they were using same type of equipment. All else being equal of course, perhaps some have greater need. Like me -- I don't see as good as I used to, how's about getting me a better screen? I pitch in own sacrificial offer, let another have a laptop, not being all too greedy, just practical.
> Why don't I have a large monitor?" or "When will I get the larger screen?"
I agree. Essentially, I keep so many windows open I really really could use one, and... the technology is essentially independent of computer age. At home my flat screen died and after a day of shock I found old monitor was not tossed out yet - and still worked well for the latest use of pixelology.
In experience, I was at company alternated, first computers then flat screen then printer then computer, --->> independently, not as a boxed set.
Some got the larger screen somehow. I gues I don't play office politics that well, not a member of that set.
As for handling company policy, I think it would go best upgrading one office at a time, so that people in eyesight of other employees can see they were using same type of equipment. All else being equal of course, perhaps some have greater need. Like me -- I don't see as good as I used to, how's about getting me a better screen? I pitch in own sacrificial offer, let another have a laptop, not being all too greedy, just practical.
The idea of a laptop bring back an incident. We had management meetings once a week. Well one day each manager walked into the meeting room with a lap top. I had a good laugh since mosst of them cannot type a 100 wpm to keep up with the meeting!
As to needs, I would talk to the manager of each department as to his needs. He may just have people that he thinks do not need up to date equipment which they are on the bottom of the pecking order.
I am a retired engineer. We had a complete support department for the 20 story building. Our department was so hi tech as to PCs that the tech department would not work on anything besides hardware. They just did not understand all the hardware connect to them!
Next I stilll believe the acad designers need the fastest machines. For example Autodesk 2006 slows a PC down quickly even with a 2.4 CPU and 2 gigs of memory. Here I would suggest a CPU with two dual processors and 4 gigs of memory.
19 inch VDI 170 degree sight span should be the standard in all the departments.
The PCs should all be dual core. They should have two Hard drives so that you can use something like Acronis true image to back up the C drive to the back up HD. True image does a HD Copy and one can use it as a master if needed in case of a failure so you will not be under pressure to repair the PC. Also suggest that you recommend tha they have a main data folder and place sub data folders underneath it. This way once a day they can do a copy and paste at lunch time. Now using a boot manager, in case of a failure they can immediately use the back up HD until help arrives.
http://www.osloader.com/download.htm
As to needs, I would talk to the manager of each department as to his needs. He may just have people that he thinks do not need up to date equipment which they are on the bottom of the pecking order.
I am a retired engineer. We had a complete support department for the 20 story building. Our department was so hi tech as to PCs that the tech department would not work on anything besides hardware. They just did not understand all the hardware connect to them!
Next I stilll believe the acad designers need the fastest machines. For example Autodesk 2006 slows a PC down quickly even with a 2.4 CPU and 2 gigs of memory. Here I would suggest a CPU with two dual processors and 4 gigs of memory.
19 inch VDI 170 degree sight span should be the standard in all the departments.
The PCs should all be dual core. They should have two Hard drives so that you can use something like Acronis true image to back up the C drive to the back up HD. True image does a HD Copy and one can use it as a master if needed in case of a failure so you will not be under pressure to repair the PC. Also suggest that you recommend tha they have a main data folder and place sub data folders underneath it. This way once a day they can do a copy and paste at lunch time. Now using a boot manager, in case of a failure they can immediately use the back up HD until help arrives.
http://www.osloader.com/download.htm
Some peoples' work is best handled with dual monitors, some work requires high resolution, Some people have visual problems requiring a larger display, because their vision cannot be fully correct with glasses. Make reasonable decisions that let people have the monitors they need to be productive - even if it means letting some keep the older CRT displays because they claim they are easier to see than the flat panel (they're the ones who will be using them).
So, deciding to give employees nicer or larger monitors (or any productivity products) based on their seniority, is a political decision causing satisfaction for a few and lots of resentment for many. It also makes the company look stupid to employees who will see that politics is more important to the company than giving its people the right tools for the job.
Does it make business sense to give an executive (who only uses email) the highest speed processor and top display resolution while graphic designers in the same company get standard hardware until they advance in seniority?
So, deciding to give employees nicer or larger monitors (or any productivity products) based on their seniority, is a political decision causing satisfaction for a few and lots of resentment for many. It also makes the company look stupid to employees who will see that politics is more important to the company than giving its people the right tools for the job.
Does it make business sense to give an executive (who only uses email) the highest speed processor and top display resolution while graphic designers in the same company get standard hardware until they advance in seniority?
I work for a good company , being in general more balanced, otoh there is my nook and cranny
> Does it make business sense to give an executive (who only uses email) the highest speed processor and top display resolution while graphic designers in the same company get standard hardware until they advance in seniority?
We started with executives giving them first to their secretary who would have trouble with notepad but had to up to requirement of handling email.
Agree that initial intent is one size for all, then the imbalance to to political favorites at expense of the producers and the technically adept. Our loss. Just lost 2nd manager this year, no loss, no better, no change anticipated, they more often appear to come off of same assembly line. Politics. Oh yeah, my bad, from my POV the losses were 'bosses' claiming (falsely imo) to be managers. Politics. Those elected do it, those not elected want to get to do it as soon as given chance as well. Old example, how many in Iraq have more personal 'protection' than the country's own leader? I mean their country, America 'tis of thee?
> Does it make business sense to give an executive (who only uses email) the highest speed processor and top display resolution while graphic designers in the same company get standard hardware until they advance in seniority?
We started with executives giving them first to their secretary who would have trouble with notepad but had to up to requirement of handling email.
Agree that initial intent is one size for all, then the imbalance to to political favorites at expense of the producers and the technically adept. Our loss. Just lost 2nd manager this year, no loss, no better, no change anticipated, they more often appear to come off of same assembly line. Politics. Oh yeah, my bad, from my POV the losses were 'bosses' claiming (falsely imo) to be managers. Politics. Those elected do it, those not elected want to get to do it as soon as given chance as well. Old example, how many in Iraq have more personal 'protection' than the country's own leader? I mean their country, America 'tis of thee?
If I did not say earlier, one of the doers is not pulling the panel nearly to lap, so eyes can be more easily with an inch or two of display. This is hardly not obvious to anyone with eyes to see. We've fixed our sidewalk several times to assist handicapped. No one around in a wheel chair, but we are ready. But to enable some to actually read a monitor? To what end? Not so important that. Pride and Prejudice.
ASKER
We will do the following:
1) Not announce anything (see #3)
2) Continue with our refresh policy as before
3) Deal with individuals who complain by explaining rationale
Thank you everyone!
1) Not announce anything (see #3)
2) Continue with our refresh policy as before
3) Deal with individuals who complain by explaining rationale
Thank you everyone!