As promised, I'm going to give you an update on the survey results. We're planning to send out this survey twice a year. Last year we sent it for the first time and I've taken a look to compare the results. Long story short, there's not very much of a change. Since the goal is to improve our results, this could be taken as a negative, but the good thing is that in both cases, the ratings were quite positive in general.
I'm going to try to briefly summarize the results for each section/topic, and also address some of the written comments. Thanks again to all who participated!
Pivot Office Location (graph & data below)
Not surprisingly, the highest number of participants came from San Jose. The other offices had good representation, too, especially San Francisco, Irvine, and LA. Last year we had a total of 93 participants and this year 94. We've grown quite a bit in that year; I hope we can get more participation next time.
Your Technology Tools (graph & data below)
We have significantly more in the Good to Excellent range than in Poor/Unacceptable to Fair, but of course we'd prefer
none in those lower ranges.
As you are most likely aware, we have given new computers to nearly everyone, and are now in the process of going back and issuing 64-bit computers to those who have 32-bit. We hope that will make a noticeable difference as far as hardware.
Our recent circuit update has made a difference in our connectivity to the internet and between offices, plus the ability to handle the new videoconferencing capabilities. There were glitches and delays along the way, but we do definitely have improved connectivity.
Comment samples:
"I would love a dual monitor arm and two monitors." "Dual flat screens have really helped. More efficient and better posture while working."
For some positions, dual monitors is a standard. If you don't have dual monitors and want them, be sure to talk to your manager.
"I hear a lot of frustration when new computers are received about missing programs, or problems."
It took us a while to detect that trend, but we have been trying to come up with ways to ensure that new computers have all the programs and setup that they should. We have a checklist that we continually update as we notice anything missing, and we're standardizing the base image we use for all computers.
"Not sure where the SmartBoards or the video/audio conferencing falls - but need more training and need for this to work consistently. ...Would really like to know that I can walk into a room and count on it working...I love the idea of the technology and feel like it needs to be dialed in so that it works every time easily."
Believe me, we agree! It's been a journey, but we're all learning and we're getting closer all the time to consistency. We're not there yet, we know. We've sent out some updates in our IT Newsletters and will continue to pursue both consistency and training with the audio-visual technology.
"I've had problems with with some people within the office having different versions of software..." "We seem to have several versions of Adobe pdf."
We do have several versions of Adobe or Adobe-wanna-be's out there. We thought we had found a good, less expensive program to standardize on. We had several users from various departments test it. But as we rolled it out more extensively we found people either just did not like it or they needed features it did not have. We're working on a new scheme with the right program for the different needs. There will be inconsistency for a while but if you have specific issues, be sure to let us know now and we can address them. Same with any compatibility issues. We try our best to keep everyone up to date and consistent, but where we miss it, let us know.
"I frequently receive compatibility notices - with Excel especially." "I always have issues with Outlook." "With proper software I could be much more efficient. Things that take marketing a week to turn around I could do myself in 10 minutes." "My laptop is obviously a third or fourth generation hand-me-down. The fan vent is obstructed by a piece of metal, and several keys are falling off." "My computer is not so quick, and my "n" key hasn't worked properly since I first received my computer...That said,..in fairness to the IT department, I've mentioned the "n" key issue but never taken the time to bring my computer in to get the problem fixed."
What do these comments have in common? As the last one hints at, we can't fix problems we're not aware of, and we typically need you to allow us time on your computer in order to work on the issues. I often say that our computers have become like our cars -- they're great when they work but it's a huge pain when they don't. And even more than with cars, a loaner computer is not an easy thing to provide -- so many of us have very different, specific needs. We are trying to make the loaner piece of this challenge a little better. We have loaner computers in each location, with all the programs required by nearly any position. But even with that it's going to be inconvenient to give up your computer for repair. We understand that and we are doing all we can to make the process as quick and painless as possible.
"Internet speed has improved. Thank you!" "So far no issues." "Everything I need in order to do my job has been provided."
Thought I'd end on a positive note. :)
More to come on other topics and sections. As always, please let me or Ted or Anne know if you have questions, suggestions, issues, whatever.
Department File Libraries - DataAll
So what is metadata? Sometimes people call it "data about data," which is not a great way to define it, but might be helpful. Specifically when we're talking about files that we store, it might be called descriptions or attributes of the files. When you go into Windows Explorer and look at files (see screenshot), you see some metadata about the files - the date they were created, date modified, type of file, size and so on.
