Old computers harm office morale

Ageing and unreliable office computers are making workers unhappy and more likely to claim sick leave, a new survey shows.

A poll conducted by Tickbox.net of more 2,700 European office workers from Britain, France and Germany found that workplace dissatisfaction increased significantly with the age of computer equipment.

British and French respondents said working on outdated computers was the most irritating aspect of office life.

Almost 40 per cent of the workers surveyed in the three countries were using computers at least three years old.

Clerical and administrative workers often had the oldest equipment.