In a recent survey conducted by GFI Software, the second annual IT Admin Stress Survey, it was revealed that end users can sometimes do the strangest things. For example, one IT administrator shared an incident where an end user tried to fit a 5.25-inch floppy disc into a 3.5-inch disc drive. This is just one of the many ridiculous scenarios experienced by IT admins.

The survey, conducted in the UK, asked IT admins about the most absurd things they have witnessed end users do. Some of the other responses included employees using their DVD drives as cup holders, users mistaking a foam stress squeezer for a malfunctioning mouse, users believing their PCs were haunted when IT support remotely accessed their machines, and even a user confusing the question about their Windows version with patio doors. Another IT admin recalled being asked whether the letter "zero" was a number or a letter.

While these anecdotes provide some entertainment, the survey also shed light on more serious matters. Nearly three-quarters of IT administrators expressed their intention to leave their jobs due to high levels of on-the-job stress. This marks an increase from 69% last year to 73% this year, indicating the challenging business landscape in the UK and the increasing pressure on IT to drive business growth and success.

According to the survey, dealing with managers was identified as the most stressful aspect of their jobs for one-third of the respondents, especially for IT staff in larger organizations. Other sources of workplace stress mentioned by IT admins included handling end-user support requests, budget cuts, and tight deadlines.

The independent survey was conducted by Opinion Matters on behalf of GFI Software and involved 206 IT administrators from UK organizations with more than 10 employees. The findings provide valuable insights into the experiences and stress levels of IT admins in today's workplace.

In conclusion, while end users' peculiar actions may sometimes elicit amusement, it is crucial to address the underlying stress factors faced by IT administrators. Creating a supportive and less stressful work environment is essential for the well-being and retention of these valuable professionals.