MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Sept. 25, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LinkedIn (NYSE:LNKD), the world's largest professional network with more than 175 million members worldwide, today released some fun statistics about office tools and trends that are on the brink of becoming extinct.
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As part of its "Office Endangered Species" study, LinkedIn surveyed more than 7,000 professionals across the globe and asked which offices tools and trends will most likely not be seen around offices by the year 2017. Thousands of professionals agreed they could easily picture office stalwarts like tape recorders, fax machines and Rolodexes nestled in museum exhibits next to fossils and Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons.
According to professionals, the top 10 items and office trends that are becoming rare and could even disappear in the next five years are:
- Tape recorders (79 percent)
- Fax machines (71 percent)
- The Rolodex (58 percent)
- Standard working hours (57 percent)
- Desk phones (35 percent)
- Desktop computers (34 percent)
- Formal business attire like suits, ties, pantyhose, etc. (27 percent)
- The corner office for managers/executives (21 percent)
- Cubicles (19 percent)
- USB thumb drives (17 percent)
Globally, professionals selected tablets (55 percent), cloud storage (54 percent), flexible working hours and smartphones (which tied at 52 percent) as office tools that are becoming more ubiquitous. Professionals in the U.S. selected tablets (62 percent) as the office tool that is ruling the Earth.
"It's no surprise to see the Rolodex gathering dust as the pace of technological innovation rapidly makes many workplace practices and tools redundant," said LinkedIn's connection director, Nicole Williams. "The beauty of modern devices and platforms, such as LinkedIn, is that they constantly evolve to meet professionals' needs, allowing them to connect more quickly and easily than ever before."
Professionals from around the world also hinted at several key dream tools they'd like to see in the future. These include having a clone or assistant to help you in your day (25 percent), a place in the office that provides natural sunlight (25 percent) and a quiet place in your office where you're allowed to take a nap (22 percent). In a funny twist, nineteen percent of respondents said they wish they had a mute button for their co-workers, so they don't have to hear them talk.
Using the following tips will help ensure you don't follow the Rolodex and tape recorder and become a "techno-dodo:"
- Use LinkedIn's CardMunch app to keep business cards from piling up on your precious desk space. The free iPhone app easily turns business cards into contacts. Just use the app to take a picture of a business card and it is converted to a contact automatically.
- Create a complete LinkedIn Profile. Make sure you list all pertinent past employers, include a profile photo, write a razor sharp elevator pitch about yourself and add LinkedIn Skills. Since 58 percent of LinkedIn members from around the world say the Rolodex won't be in use in five years, it's crucial to create a professional digital footprint so other professionals you've worked with can stay in touch with you.
- If LinkedIn members' predictions about telecommuting are accurate, as time goes on, fewer professionals will have the opportunity to chat with their co-workers in person. By using LinkedIn Groups and LinkedIn Today as "virtual water coolers," you can stay in touch with your professional connections both in and out of the office.
Learn more about LinkedIn's office endangered species study and download the cubicle dinosaurs infographic on LinkedIn's Blog.
About LinkedIn
Founded in 2003, LinkedIn connects the world's professionals to make them more productive and successful. With more than 175 million members worldwide, including executives from every Fortune 500 company, LinkedIn is the world's largest professional network on the Internet. The company has a diversified business model with revenues coming from member subscriptions, marketing solutions and hiring solutions. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, LinkedIn has offices across the globe.
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