Time is of the essence. Don’t waste it on shoddy gear, silly distractions or connection hassles. These office gadgets to improve productivity are real game-changers, helping you work smarter, not harder, to achieve that goal of maximum efficiency. Anthony Hill from Geeks2U weighs in with his product picks.

A Second Computer Screen

Dual computer monitors can help you boost your productivity by allowing you to multitask more effectively.

Setting up dual computer monitors is the ultimate productivity hack. Multitasking becomes a breeze when you can quickly glance between two windows, plus you’ll never lose your place or become distracted as you click through the scores of browser tabs you’ve got open. The benefits of a dual screen setup increase dramatically if you’re doing data entry or monitoring communications feeds, such as conference calls, emails, Twitter or Slack. If you’re an editor or graphic designer, then two screens could be especially beneficial. “Working on your primary task on one screen while having the reference material on a second screen can greatly increase productivity and also the accuracy of your work,” says Anthony.

What to Try

Wireless Headphones

Headphones are fast becoming the MVP of all work tech tools. They’re ideal for making hands-free phone calls, allowing you to tackle two or more tasks at a time. Choose a noise-cancelling pair and you can block out background noise and keep yourself fully focused on your work. Some headphones, like these JBL Live 660s, will help when you need to answer calls or jump onto Zoom for an online meeting. Evidence posted on WebFX shows listening to music at work can boost productivity by helping employees feel happier, less stressed and more motivated.

What to Try

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A Voice Assistant Speaker

A smart speaker is a handy virtual assistant for the office to improve productivity.

Welcome to the future office, where you don’t need a PA to help you organise your life. Instead, outsource everything to a handy desktop gadget and free up your work time for more important tasks. The Amazon Echo Show 10 can be used to make video calls, send messages, set reminders, play music, display photos and control smart features such as lights and appliances, all at the command of your voice. The Nest smart speaker gives you similar features, such as access to the Google virtual assistant and control of your smart home,and also check in what’s going on at home when you’re not there, with the built-in Nest Cam.

What to Try

A Docking Station

Save time, and stress less, with this nifty device that allows you to connect your computer to all of the essentials. “A docking station allows you to have your dual monitors, keyboard, mouse and any other accessories plugged in all the time at your home office and you simply need to plug one connection into your laptop to have all these devices connected and working,” explains Anthony. The ability to attach your laptop to multiple devices at once, including a mouse, a printer and a scanner, is an absolute godsend, especially if you’ve got a project deadline fast approaching. 

What to Try

A Clever Mouse

Improve office productivity with a smart mouse loaded with special features.

Work smarter and faster by swapping your regular computer mouse for a swanky new model that’s bursting with special features. Aim for one that is ergonomically designed to be comfortable and easy to use, like the wireless Logitech MX Ergo. It’s rechargeable, doing away with wires and batteries, and uses a trackball for comfortable scrolling. 

Generally speaking, a good gaming mouse will improve your productivity – most have multiple wheels and buttons and are designed to be used over long periods of time. Goodbye hand cramps and RSI. The Philips SPK9201B Gaming Mouse also has a wide range of features and wallet-friendly price.

What to Try

A Solid State Drive

Also known as SSDs, solid state drives are amped-up file storage devices. Unlike a regular hard drive, they’re durable, super fast and more energy efficient. During a work day, use an SSD to instantly load programs and stretch your network capacity. The Samsung T7 Portable Drive is ideal for backing up files, with a speedy transfer rate and a sturdy aluminium case. Another good option is this Toshiba one – its compact design is perfect for taking your documents with you so you can work on the go. 

What to Try

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A Label Printer

The Dymo Labelwriter 5XL label printer is a handy gadget that can improve office productivity.

Depending on your line of work, a label printer could be very useful. “If you send out lots of letters and parcels, then printing out the address labels could save you time,” says Anthony. Other uses include making name tags for conferences and special events and printing off product ingredient labels and info labels for assets. The DYMO LabelWriter 5XL is your best bet for producing warehouse labels, shipping tags, barcode stickers and more.

What to Try

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A Wireless Router

Fast and reliable internet connectivity is a must when you’re working – there’s nothing more excruciating than constant buffering or having no access to the files and data you need. “The primary issue with maintaining a good fast internet connection is having a reliable service provider,” says Anthony. “However, having a good quality wireless router will allow you to move around and work in different areas of the home while maintaining productivity.” The aerials on this TP-Link router ensure your home has better coverage and more stable internet connectivity. Netgear is another reputable brand – its Nighthawk router features ultra-fast WiFI and is recommended for homes and businesses with up to 40 connected devices.

What to Try

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