VOYAGER NETWORKS: Network manager working hours on th the rise.

M2 PRESSWIRE-10 September 1999-VOYAGER NETWORKS: Network manager working hours on the rise (C)1994-99 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

RDATE:090999

* Survey reveals average of 50 hour working week

Network managers are now working longer hours than ever before, according to a survey by Voyager Networks.

82% of managers surveyed at a recent user conference work a fifty hour week on average. Just under ten per cent spend an average of sixty hours per week at work, with only ten per cent working an eight-hour day. Over 90% believe this has been increasing steadily over the past three years.

The survey also revealed that 73% of network managers are often called upon to work at weekends. In addition to this, it is not uncommon for IT managers to be on 24-hour call. 67% of those surveyed said it was part of their job, or that they had been asked by their companies on more than one occasion, to be available around the clock. The need to work longer hours is most common among managers with large user bases. According to the survey, a third of network managers have overall responsibility for between 1,000 and 3,000 users. 20% look after between 10,000 and 20,000 users, and 13% support in excess of 20,000 users.

"Increasingly complex IT environments and new technologies such as VoIP, e-commerce and other Web-enabled solutions are generating an ever-widening range of network management issues for companies," said Nigel Williams, marketing director at Voyager Networks. "This means that network managers are experiencing burgeoning workloads and working longer hours than ever before. This is an important issue that businesses need to address, especially in light of the 48-hour week EU work directive."

"The results of this survey beg the question of whether organisations are involving network managers enough in the planning and implementation of new technology projects. If this was done a little more, then perhaps they would spend less time picking up the pieces," added Williams.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Voyager Networks Limited is a leader in the provision of network solutions, focused on delivering the benefits of new and emerging communication technology to extend the reach and functionality of the corporate network. Voyager Networks' capability is complemented by Voyager Internet Limited, which applies the same depth of expertise and professionalism and focuses on business Internet access and Internet business solutions. Its customers include The Bank of England, Satellite Information Systems, The Economist, Eidos Interactive, Group Lotus, Bovis and Walkers Snack Foods.

The company's five dedicated network centres based throughout the UK offer 24 hour on-site support, 365 days a year. Voyager was identified as the 'Fastest Growing Network Solutions Provider' in The Sunday Times and Virgin Atlantic's Fast Track 100 index. Committed to providing solutions which deliver competitive advantage, Voyager is targeting expansion to become a global solutions partner. It was also awarded Investors In People status in February 1999.

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