Are you working from home? Or, are you back to the office full time? Maybe you’re 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’ll discuss whether dual monitors setup is worth it and why using two monitors is better than one. As well as talking you through other options that will facilitate productive working, wherever you are.
Why two monitors are better than one
Put simply, a dual monitor setup is guaranteed to streamline 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 that, on average, businesses see a 42% increase in productivity when using multiple displays.
However, it’s worth noting that the impact of using dual monitors will largely depend on the job you do. For example, professionals who work in roles that are design or spreadsheet heavy are likely to see more benefits than those that work in sales or event management.
Businesses see a 42% increase in productivity when using multiple displays.
The benefits of dual monitor setup for work:
Efficiency
Using two screens enables you to view multiple tabs at the same time instead of having to constantly open and close different windows and tabs.
Collaboration
Working with multiple displays enables you to collaborate and communicate more effectively. For example, if you’re on a call with colleagues, you can have the video call up on one screen, and the document you’re working on on another. Being able to see your colleagues on one-screen helps you to communicate (both verbally and non-verbally), making the collaboration process smoother.
Focus
Being able to view several windows at once will help you to focus on important tasks. For example, if you’re midway through writing a report, but waiting for a particular email to come through, you won’t need to keep flicking between tabs. Instead, you can have your inbox opened up on another screen and see the email come through in real time, whilst continuing to work on your report in the interim.
Personal development
Having two monitors promotes more effective learning and training. For example if you’re watching a webinar or training video, you can have the video playing on one screen, and take notes at the same time on another. Rather than having to pause the video intermittently to note-take.
Resolution
Ultrawide monitors offer an alternative way to extend your screen real estate. However, two displays usually offer better resolution than one large screen, which is important for those working in creative and design-related roles.
Cost
Buying two monitors is also usually cheaper than buying one ultrawide screen, plus it’s often easier to access IT support for a two-monitor workflow.
Employee satisfaction
A joint study by Dell and Wichita State University found that, when given the same task to do, participants preferred using two monitors quicker, easier and more satisfying that using one screen. Comments from participants include, “The two-screen layout made finding information easy and quick” and “I felt I had enough space to have all the windows I needed open”.
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?
In case you are office-based, adding additional monitors is simple, just ask your IT support partner to help you order and set up your office space. And If your team mostly works from home, it’s worth granting them an allowance for equipment when working from home. Should you do this, make sure to educate them about the benefits of using an additional monitor and give them guidance on ordering and setting up (your IT partner can also help with this!).
Before adding a secondary display to an existing machine, note that you will need to make sure it has an updated graphics card (again this should be inexpensive and you can ask your IT partner if you’re unsure).
Lastly, consider how much space you have. This will likely differ depending on whether you’re working from home or in the office. For those working at home, make sure to measure your desk space before ordering a monitor as a secondary monitor may end up hindering productivity if it’s too large.
What other equipment will boost my productivity?
Docking stations
A USB docking station turns your employees’ laptops into desktop powerhouses, which is why they’re a great addition to any office setup. A docking station enables your team to easily connect to monitors, LAN, the internet, printers and more. Plus, it provides you with additional ports should you need them.
Laptop risers
Laptop risers are especially useful if you’re using two monitors instead of one. They raise your laptop to a similar height as your monitor, preventing eye strain and neck pain, whether you’re working from home or in the office. Plus, raising your laptop will keep it cooler, helping it to run more efficiently.
Ergonomic keyboard and mouse
Many people find ergonomic keyboards more comfortable than built-in laptop keyboards, plus they come in many different shapes and sizes so you can find the right fit for you. Likewise, an ergonomic mouse can also make it easier to navigate across screens compared to a laptop trackpad.
A separate keyboard and mouse will also enable you to move your 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.
