Users resort to DIY fixes to avoid IT department

Seven out of ten office workers try to fix computer problems without contacting the IT department, according to a survey by Richmond Systems.

Over half of the 250 office workers said they simply restart a failing computer and hope for the best - a process they'd repeat as many as five times before calling up the IT department for assistance.

Another nine per cent said they would attempt to take a computer apart and fix it without help, while 13 per cent would pick up a manual to look for a solution.

Only three out of ten of the respondents went straight to the IT department for help, which Richmond System's managing director Eric Wright said reflects a lack of confidence in the IT department.

"This research shows a lack of faith in the ability of IT teams to fix computer issues quickly, leaving personnel to have a go at fixing the problem themselves," said Wright in a statement.

IT teams can overcome users' doubt by logging incidents and responding to inquiries quickly. "Until office workers have confidence that the IT team have these issues under control, a DIY approach will continue to slow them down," he said.