Using a printer has a positive association with age; printer usage skews older across many countries, especially in the US and UK. One of the major factors is habit energy, as people with long experience continue to use their technology products and services in similar ways as they did in prior years. Younger adults who have grown up with mobile technology are accustomed to accessing documents and information with a device at hand, unlike the experience of older adults who have long relied on the printed word.
This MetaFAQs reports on the percentage of online adults that use a printer – employer-owned, home, or other – by country. Report [TUP_doc_2024_0103_agpr] in TUP Lenses: Printers; User Profile
More employees in larger companies use a work printer
Workers in smaller businesses are less likely to use a work printer than employees in larger firms. Worldwide, medium-sized firms have the highest rate of work printing, while in the US the rates are similar between medium-sized and large firms.
This MetaFAQ reports on the percentage of workers who actively use a work/self-employed printer, split by the size of the employer. Report [TUP_doc_2023_1220_wprt] in TUP Lenses: Printers; User Profile
Generational insights into printer trends
The majority of online adults use a printer, regardless of their generational group. However, printer use has declined steadily since 2017, both in the percentage of adults regularly using a printer and in the average number of printers they use.
This MetaFAQs reports on the penetration rates and average number of printers used by online adults in the US, UK, Germany, Japan, and China, split by generational age group. Report [TUP_doc_2023_1215_prpt] in TUP Lenses: Printers; User Profile
Printer activity trends in US, Germany, UK, Japan, and China
Printer activity has declined around the world – in the US, Germany, UK, Japan, and China – even as printers are an active part of the majority of online adults. Printing activities include printing documents, web pages, reports, presentations, personal records, and even recipes. However, it’s important to note that not all online adults are actively engaged in this practice. The extent of printer usage varies considerably from one country to another, and this variation carries substantial implications for both printer manufacturers and the suppliers of consumables like ink, toner, and paper.
To provide valuable insights into this trend, we present the TUP tables 410 PRxCOUNTRY from 2017 through 2023, which offer a comprehensive overview of printer usage among online adults in five key markets: the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, and China. This data encompasses the percentage of individuals in each country who have utilized a printer in the preceding 90 days, along with detailed information on the number of printers they have employed. Report [TUP_doc_2023_1210_prpt] in TUP Lenses: Printers
Stronger tech buying plans among remote workers
Stronger tech buying plans among remote workers – Workers working from home have substantially stronger purchase plans than workers who never work from home. To be able to work effectively, they need sufficient technology to enable communication, collaboration, comfort, and computing. Based on their recent survey responses, their technology needs are not fully satisfied.
This MetaFAQs reports on the purchase plans for computers, tablets, printers, consumer electronics, and other technology products, contrasting workers who work from home versus those who do not by country. Report [TUP_doc_2023_1129_plan] in TUP Lenses: Devices; PCs; Mobile Phones; Tablets; Consumer Electronics; Printers; Work/Life Balance
HP has the highest printer share among nearly all American generations
HP has the highest printer share among nearly all American generations – HP leads the American online printer market, ahead of other brands in the active installed base. Among Gen Z Americans, however, there is solid competition. This MetaFAQs reports on the primary printer brand of online Americans by age generation. Report [TUP_doc_2023_1119_hppr] in TUP Lenses: Printers; User Profile
Which Countries Lead in Remote Work Adoption?
The pandemic introduced a major shift in how employees work in addition to where they work. Although the quick response was necessary to maintain public health, some employers have sought to return remote employees to their workplace settings. Other employers have recognized the improved efficiency, productivity, and health of their employees, and have adapted to remote or hybrid work arrangements as part of their ongoing best practices. Many employees have found life-affirming benefits from even occasional remote work which has added to their resistance in returning to previous workplace-oriented practices. They report enjoying many benefits: reduced commuting times and expense, less time on work-appropriate wear, less time in meetings, as well as personal benefits such as managing family care. Also, many remote workers have already set up their remote working environment, many outfitted with computers, webcams, printers, and display monitors. They may be reticent to return to their workplace where employer-provided computers may not be as new as the ones employees are using at home.
This MetaFAQs reports on a vital statistic: the percentage and number of online adults that work remotely by country and also how often they do or do not work remotely. Report [TUP_doc_2023_1005_amwf] in TUP Lenses: User Profile; Work/Life Balance
More employees in large companies use a work printer
More employees in large companies use a work printer – Employees in larger companies are more likely to be actively using a work printer than employees with smaller employers. Somebody, somewhere, needs that paper printed. That the percentage would be higher among larger employers may seem at first to be a matter of company size. However, these TUP penetration statistics are based on responses per employee, not per employer. Active printing rates are also because larger companies tend to find it harder to change. Many are set in their ways, especially those adhering to defined procedures and practices. That’s not to suggest that printing on paper is a regressive practice. But, among many circles, it’s considered passé. Especially as digital transformation continues and a growing number of employees are using collaboration tools, paper forms and reports are facing downdrafts in usage.
This MetaFAQs reports on the percent of employees regularly using an employer-provided printer by the size of the employer. Report [TUP_doc_2023_1001_wpri] in TUP Lenses: Printers; User Profile
Generational insights into printer trends
Printers have seen a decline in usage, but interestingly, specific generational cohorts show varied printer adoption rates. It’s essential to note that generations are defined by the era of their birth, not merely age. These cohorts share common experiences and often adopt behaviors influenced by peers born in the same timeframe, leading to distinct technological preferences and habits. The broader use of printers among the Boomer/Silent generations is more a reflection of deeply engrained habits than merely of age. This MetaFAQs reports on the number of printers actively used by online adults within generational age groups and country.
The active base of computer and printer users is declining
The world is shrinking, at least in terms of the share of adults using computers and printers. While both the computer and printer industries have enjoyed a growth-oriented mentality for decades, that orientation has slowed. Accepting this reality means that technology marketers need to orient towards replacement markets where users are focused on replacing or enhancing the technology they have. Also, it means that fewer users are first-time or new to technology. Instead, the base of users has experience that is deepening and lengthening. This MetaFAQs reports on the penetration of computers and printers among online adults in the US, Germany, UK, Japan, and China from 2021 through 2023. Report [TUP_doc_2023_0921_decl] in TUP Lenses: PCs; Printers