It’s inevitable that even the most common fixtures of the office workspace eventually get reinvented and reimagined – and that’s a very good thing. Those small tweaks and major changes often lead to tangible increases in workplace productivity and employee satisfaction. Decades ago, a desk was a desk. Period! Today, a desk can be a stationary desk, a standing desk, or a sit-stand desk. Similarly, office chairs used to be, well, chairs. Today they office chairs may be chairs – or stools, kneeling stools, variations on the exercise ball, etc.
Since office ergonomics has become a more widely known topic, the standard pieces of office furniture have evolved into more ergonomically friendly pieces that are both functional for every day office use and keep your employees healthier. After all, sitting is said to have become the new smoking!
There have been notable changes in electronics, too. In some offices (especially smaller offices), landlines have been entirely replaced by company-issued employee cellphones. Those cumbersome computer towers have been largely replaced by sleek, easily transportable laptops or tablets.
So, the latest piece of essential office equipment to be transformed? The computer monitor!
Sometimes Bigger Really is Better!
Not only has technology led to longer-lasting office monitors that deliver crisp, accurate graphic displays, it has led to lighter-weight, sleek monitors that allow users to fit monitors with much larger screens on their desks (or standing or sit-stand desks.) This year, screens of 32 inches or larger have become more and more common. And, these screens no longer necessarily flat or framed in a border. Curved displays deliver surround graphics just like the highest-tech stereo speakers deliver surround sound. Monitors with nearly borderless edges maximize usable screen space.
More Monitors Means More Productivity
Another monitor trend is connecting multiple monitors (usually two or three) to a user’s PC or laptop. This trend delivers an incredible productivity boost. For example, if an employee is writing a complex report that requires conducting online research, they can use one monitor to create the draft of their report and a second monitor to search resources for needed data. Even better, a third monitor can display the employees email inbox, so they can quickly see and respond to new messages even while working on the aforementioned report. The possibilities are endless (and very helpful!)
Today’s Monitors are Practical from a Productivity and Aesthetic Standpoint
Clearly, technological improvements that have been made to office monitors enhances productivity. They also affect (in a positive way) the look and feel of the work environment. The latest monitors are sleek and modern, and built to pair with accessories available to hide unsightly cords and cables. When the workplace (or the desktop) appears tidy and uncluttered, employees tend to feel calmer and more serene.
The Future is Now
Touchscreen monitors used to be only something we dreamed of happening, and now they are available at a reasonable price! But, imagine if you could simply gesture with your hands in the air (rather than working a mouse) to control what shows up on your monitor? You don’t have to imagine anymore! Some companies such as Asus have already introduced monitors with this feature. Facebook’s Oculus Rift has introduced monitors that pair with virtual reality headsets. Microsoft’s HoloLens allows users to interact with three-dimensional computer monitors.
As you read this, ask yourself how long it’s been since you’ve actually given significant thought to your office monitor. If it has been a while, maybe it’s time to talk to your procurement department and find out if an upgrade is in order!
