Advances in technology have made working in an office environment all the more convenient. Whether it’s a gadget you can use for your computer or something else entirely, office tech can make your job a lot more manageable. If you haven’t done so already, incorporate this selection of gadgets into your workspace to bolster productivity.
USB Flash Drives
USB flash drives are among the best gadgets you can use when your job primarily involves computer work. With a flash drive, you can quickly store backup copies of the documents that you’ve been working on. By storing your documents on these drives, you can continue your work on a different computer and share them with colleagues.
Not only does this make it easier for you to move files around, it also allows you to have a backup in case your computer experiences an issue. If your computer has hard drive issues you could lose several hours of work, so by having files backed up you can keep going with your work on a different device.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Some people need absolute quiet in order to work on projects, but since many offices emphasize collaboration it’s common for there to be a lot of chatter. Some people listen to music to block out the noise, but others would rather have complete silence. Consider getting some noise-cancelling headphones if background noise in the office is distracting you.
These headphones are built with sound-absorbing materials that allow users to block incoming soundwaves. As a result, they can keep you from hearing distracting noises, even if you aren’t using them to listen to music.
Portable Monitor
Multi-tasking is something that most office workers are used to: sometimes it’s necessary to keep up-to-date on a few different projects at once. This can be a problem on computers however, because there is only so much information you can display at once on a single screen. With a portable monitor you can display information on two screens instead of just one.
Tired of switching back and forth between a document and a webpage as you write? Drag the webpage to the other monitor so can you have both open at the same time. By having one of these monitors you can be a lot more efficient with your work output since you don’t have to keep switching between tabs.
Communication Channels & File Sharing Sites
Physical gadgets are effective tools, but there are also several programs you can use to make working in the office more efficient. For one, you can use communication programs, like Skype, to quickly talk with other members of your team. This allows you to get updates and send files without the need to send emails or get up from your desk.
In addition, file sharing sites, like Podio and Dropbox, are also great for the office environment. Many people need to collaborate on projects, so by using a sharing site everyone can contribute to a file without needing to pass it around.
Programs like these are essential in the modern workplace.
Mug Warmer
Mug warmers aren’t necessary to improve workplace productivity, but having one can be pretty convenient. If you like drinking coffee in the morning, a mug warmer will keep your drink warm for a longer period of time than a standard mug.
This can be beneficial, since some people get so wrapped up in their work that they forget about having coffee and allow it to get cold. If you enjoy a warm drink during work hours, get yourself one of these.