Are you working from home? Back in the office full time? Or making the most of hybrid working? No matter where you are, consider this: do you have the right monitor setup for a productive and happy working life?
In this article we discuss whether a dual-monitor setup is worth it and why two monitors can be better than one, plus the other equipment that helps you work productively, wherever you are.
Why two monitors are better than one
Put simply, a dual-monitor setup streamlines how you work, making it easier to navigate between tabs, collaborate during video meetings, and compare documents. In fact, a study by Jon Peddie Research found a major gain:
That said, the impact largely depends on the job you do, professionals in design- or spreadsheet-heavy roles are likely to see more benefit than those in sales or event management.
The benefits of a dual-monitor setup
Why it helps
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Efficiency
View multiple tabs at the same time instead of constantly opening and closing different windows.
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Collaboration
Keep a video call on one screen and the document you’re working on the other, easier to communicate, verbally and non-verbally, for smoother collaboration.
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Focus
Watch for an important email on one screen while you keep working on a report on the other, no flicking between tabs.
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Personal development
More effective learning: play a webinar or training video on one screen and take notes on the other, with no need to keep pausing.
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Resolution
Ultrawide monitors extend your screen real estate too, but two displays usually offer better resolution than one large screen, important for creative and design work.
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Cost
Buying two monitors is usually cheaper than one ultrawide screen, and it’s often easier to access IT support for a two-monitor workflow.
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Employee satisfaction
A joint study by Dell and Wichita State University found people preferred two monitors, quicker, easier and more satisfying. As one participant put it, “the two-screen layout made finding information easy and quick.”
How to get started with a dual-monitor setup
Setting up a secondary monitor is quick, easy and cost-efficient. First, think about how you and your team work, are you in the office every day, or is working from home more popular?
If you’re office-based, adding monitors is simple: just ask your IT support partner to help you order and set up your office space. If your team mostly works from home, it’s worth granting an equipment allowance, and when you do, educate them on the benefits of an additional monitor and give them guidance on ordering and setting up (your IT partner can help here too).
Before adding a secondary display to an existing machine, check it has an up-to-date graphics card (this should be inexpensive, ask your IT partner if you’re unsure). Lastly, consider how much space you have: measure your desk before ordering, as a monitor that’s too large can end up hindering productivity rather than helping it.
What other equipment will boost my productivity?
Worth adding
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Docking stations
A USB docking station turns laptops into desktop powerhouses, easily connecting to monitors, LAN, internet, printers and more, with extra ports when you need them.
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Laptop risers
Especially useful alongside two monitors: a riser raises your laptop to a similar height, preventing eye strain and neck pain, and keeps it cooler, so it runs more efficiently.
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Ergonomic keyboard & mouse
Often more comfortable than a built-in laptop keyboard and trackpad, and they let you push the laptop screen back, relieving eye stress and encouraging good posture.
What’s next?
If you need help sourcing and installing secondary monitors, or any other IT equipment, we can help. Simply contact us to speak to one of our friendly team, who will advise on the best IT solutions for your business.
From Sereno IT
The Sereno IT team
Sereno IT is a London-based managed IT support provider helping businesses across the UK stay secure and productive. Read more in the Hardware & Devices section.
