26 01732 759725 performance chip with twice the power of previous models and a USB-C dongle for easy pairing. The MX Master 4 for Business also comes with a USB-C Bolt receiver (and compatibility with existing USB-A Bolt receivers), as well as remote monitoring by Logitech Sync. True to Logitech’s commitment to sustainability, the MX Master 4 is made from a minimum of 48% post-consumer recycled plastic, uses low carbon aluminium for the thumbwheel and 100% recycled cobalt (in the battery) and comes in FSC certified paper packaging. It is also easier to maintain and recycle than previous MX Master devices, requiring just one screwdriver to access the battery and replace parts, compared to up to seven separate tools, including a hair-dryer, needed to maintain an MX Master 3. The MX Master 4 costs €129.99. www.logitech.com customers, Logitech has improved several other aspects of the mouse: it has made the scroll wheel smoother and increased the distance the cursor can travel to the left or right with one rotation (useful when working in Excel or editing long lines of code); it has made the gesture button more visible to encourage greater use of this under-used function that can allow users to work for longer in a more comfortable way; it has improved design aesthetics and longevity through the use of longerlasting, stain-resistant, washable materials like durable silicon on side grips and translucent edges to the key plates, giving the mouse a modern look and feel; and it has boosted reliable and secure wireless connectivity, even in business environments with a large number of wireless devices, by using a highFor advanced users, the Actions Ring is a real productivity boost, not only because it significantly reduces the distance a user has to move the cursor to select an action – Logitech says it cuts mouse movement deadtime by 63%, powering time-savings of up to 33% – but also because it helps the user to remain focused on what they are working on without the distraction of having to move the cursor across the screen to a menu bar or side bar. The Actions Ring supports another enhancement of the MX Master 4 – easy switching of the mouse to another computer, which can now be done through a button on the overlay. One of the benefits of the Logitech ecosystem is that this feature can be set up so that when the host computer for the mouse is changed, the keyboard will automatically follow. Other enhancements Based on feedback from MX Master 3 ...continued WORKPLACE Better tech, please Better technology is key to RTO success, claims Logitech Recently published global research into the challenges faced by hybrid employees suggests investment in new technology is key to gaining buy-in to return-to-office initiatives. The Logitech study, Desk Dread: 3 Reasons Employees are Dodging the Office, surveyed 600 US-based HR leaders of global companies and 1,350 employees in the US, UK, Germany, France, Australia and Japan. Results indicate that around two-thirds of hybrid employees struggle with disruptions and distractions in their workplace. A similar number (63%) complain that when they go into the office outdated technology causes them problems, with 37% saying they sometimes end up having to work late and 28% saying it has caused them to miss meetings. Office technology is particularly important to Gen Z, with 53% of this cohort saying they would go into the office more often if they had access to more reliable equipment; 30% of Gen Z employees claim to be seriously considering leaving their current company for one that provides more up-to-date office technology and equipment. Other frustrations include the difficulties in getting set-up in the office (cited by 50%) and not being able to find the right workspace for their needs (51%). The average hybrid worker needs at least 25 minutes to get set up, rising to more than 40 minutes in the worst cases. This includes locating a desk, connecting to Wi-Fi, finding and setting up equipment, and cleaning and organising their workspace. Less than one third (32%) of hybrid employees have access to desk booking software, which would enable them to choose and book the right type and location of desk or working space ahead of time. Nearly one third (31%) say they sometimes arrive early to be sure of finding a good desk. These findings aren’t a case of employees complaining for the sake of it as 80% of leaders acknowledge that their staff experience challenges in finding a desk or workspace and 73% admit their hybrid workers don’t have all the technology and equipment they need. About half (48%) are aiming to provide more reliable technology. With many employers seeking to boost office attendance, it is significant that half to one third of workers say they would go into the office more often if it was easier for them to get set up and find a workspace (51%), if there were quiet places to work (47%), if their company improved its workspaces/office layout (45%), if they could easily move between workspaces (39%) and if their company provided more reliable technology (37%). Commenting on the findings, Philippe Depallens, GM of Logitech for Business Services, said: “Hybrid employees shouldn’t have to do a scavenger hunt every time they commute into the office. As more companies push for a return-to-office (RTO), it’s essential to provide reliable tech, like webcams, mice, keyboards, room schedulers and video conferencing cameras, and remove the hassle that comes with shared workspaces. Employees are used to plug-and-play tech in their everyday lives, so why would expectations be any different for their workspaces?” Dan Schawbel, Managing Partner of Workplace Intelligence, which carried out the research, added: “Gen Z employees are especially struggling with today’s suboptimal office experience. These workers are often the most interested in the social benefits of going into the office, yet all too often, other aspects of the on-site experience aren’t living up to their expectations. Ignoring their concerns and frustrations could have a devastating impact on employers’ ability to retain young talent.”
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