We wrote an article a while ago about the real value of providing a second monitor to users with specific needs in law and professional services firms. This article on Slate’s web site yesterday and other research studies only reinforce our view that adding more screen area can significantly boost productivity. Coders, researchers, and other data entry tasks enjoy significant productivity improvements using dual monitors or large screens because of less time spent switching between applications, less mistakes because a reduced reliance on memory, and immediate feedback on quality. Find yourself “alt-tabbing” all the time, you should probably invest in that 24” monitor, or more economically, dual 17” monitors and a dual-head video card.

We are surprised that more firms do not adopt dual monitors or larger monitors for certain personnel. Our guess is that Accounting and Finance summarily dismisses them as duplicative and wasteful without really investigating the return on investment. Then again, having two monitors does look extravagant, and surely leads to pangs of jealousy from those stuck with a single monitor.