Tip of the Week: Provide Your Team With Additional Monitors to Improve Productivity

One of the many ways that businesses improve productivity is by issuing employees multiple monitors for work purposes. Just like any benefit, though, there are some disadvantages to watch out for when using multiple monitors. Here are just a few of them.

Advantages
The major reason that any employee would want to use multiple monitors is that they will have twice the space in which to get work done, through multitasking. One classic example of this is to research a particular topic, and use that research in another tab or document. Another practical use for dual monitors is to have your email on one screen so you can stay in touch with the rest of your employees at all times. This helps you manage tasks more efficiently.

If you’re using a laptop, you can connect an external monitor, provided that your laptop has the required ports. This allows you to use multiple monitors in any situation, as long as you have the proper technology. To an extent, mobile devices, or technologies like Google Chromecast, can be used to add another screen to your desktop workstation. A smartphone can help you monitor your inbox, while allowing you to have one less tab open.

Disadvantages
One of the biggest reasons your organization may not be going all-out and purchasing new monitors for your employees are the up-front costs. Good reliable monitors aren’t cheap, which can make it difficult for businesses to justify spending so much of their IT budget on them, especially if they aren’t necessary. It’s also important to consider how much space they take up, and whether or not your employees have enough space on their desks for an extra monitor.

Additionally, employees may be subject to the many distractions afforded by having multiple monitors. For example, an employee who grows disengaged with their current task may open YouTube on their second monitor as a means to pass the time while working; leading to a less productive workday, and a lesser quality end result. Even if it looks like they’re being productive, dual monitors, unless properly implemented, can lead to wasted time. It’s your responsibility to educate your employees on dual screen best practices, but a content filtering solution from Horne & Benik can also influence your team’s work ethic.

If your team has trouble finding the proper technology to equip your employees, Horne & Benik can give you a hand. Our professional technicians can help you better take advantage of your business’s budget. To learn more, give us a call at (603) 499-4400.