Email is the biggest headache for tech support staff and a major cause of stress in the workplace, according to a survey out today.

More than a third of IT managers quizzed for the report in the US, Europe and Asia-Pacific said email software was the top support problem, says software company Support.com.

Around 23 per cent blamed computer password resets, and 20 per cent cited general enterprise and office applications, such as Microsoft Excel. Ten per cent said networking software errors were the top problem.

"Even basic, easy-to-fix malfunctions can be serious obstacles to a company's productivity, often halting communications for hours at a time," Support.com states.

"Although heralded as one of the most valuable business tools, the research suggests that email may be the largest cause of stress in the workplace," it continues.

According to Support.com marketing VP Bruce Mowery: "This study reflects a technological paradox, as business becomes increasingly reliant on advanced software and technology, it's often the simplest tools, notably email, that cause the most significant support issues." ®

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