Hybrid working has increased tenfold since the beginning of the pandemic. A recent global survey revealed 74 per cent of Australians said they wanted a mix of face-to-face and remote working of differing degrees. With remote and hybrid working becoming an important part of work-life, what productivity-enabling tools will support a distributed workforce? Andrew Sykes, Sales Manager of Technology at Winc (Procurement Australia’s partner) talks about a few of his tech product recommendations:
1. Wireless headphones
“High quality audio is essential for calls and online meetings, so you’ll need a good headset. I’d suggest investing in a wireless headset. The Plantronics Bluetooth Headset is a great option for hybrid workers. It has active noise cancellation to prevent nearby noise from disrupting your calls and focus. It’s also wireless so you have the freedom to move around during meetings or when listening to audio. On top of that, it moves seamlessly between your PC and smartphone which means no more plugging and unplugging from different devices,” says Andrew.
2. Wireless keyboard and mouse
“Organisations have a duty of care to protect employees at work and this extends to your workspace at home. Instead of using your laptop’s built-in keyboard and trackpad, switch to an external keyboard and mouse that will support your natural posture by aligning your wrists while you type.
“The Microsoft Wireless Keyboard and Mouse is a nice wireless option that also protects your data by encrypting your keystrokes,” advises Andrew.
3. USB Hub
“The latest Windows and Mac notebooks come with limited USB ports because of their thinner profiles. With a USB hub you can easily beat this issue. The Klik USB Hub is compact, portable and comes with two USB-C and USB-A ports so it’s one I’d highly recommend,” says Andrew.
4. Webcam
“Video calls have become a huge part of our day, so it’s worthwhile upgrading from your laptop’s built-in camera and investing in a business-quality webcam. Having a camera positioned closer to your eyeline means a better ergonomic setup and a more natural face-to-face experience,” says Andrew.
“The C270 Webcam is one of many great options. It has high-quality HD video, auto light correction, universal mounting options and a built-in noise-reducing mic,” advises Andrew.
5. Home printer
“If you work from home, having your own printer can be a gamechanger. The HP Color Laser Multi Function Printer is an excellent option with low running costs. It’s very compact, so it’ll work for many home offices and workstations. A wireless printer like this one enables better workflow by allowing you to print, copy and even scan straight from your phone or laptop,” says Andrew.
6. Carry bag for your tech
“If you’re someone who works both in the office and from home or travels to a co-shared space, a good carry bag will protect your gear from damage. The Kensington Top Load Case has quick access pockets and a zippered organiser section to keep things nice and tidy. It also comes with a removeable padded shoulder strap for comfort,” advises Andrew.
7. Protective laptop sleeve
“If you’re looking for a protective sleeve for your laptop, the Targus Cypress Sleeve would be one of my top recommendations. It’s slim and light and on top of that, it’s made from recycled plastic water bottles!” says Andrew.
8. Portable hard drive
“Nowadays, many mobility devices do not come with a lot of local storage. A compact USB drive that you can easily fit in a pocket or laptop sleeve is something I’d suggest to any working professional. The Verbatim USB comes in a 32GB and 64GB and can be connected to any device with a USB-C port.” says Andrew.
Procurement Australia partners with Winc to support our members with Office Supplies solutions to boost productivity at your workplaces. For all the technology products and accessories you need to work productively from anywhere, view the range of technology products to make work-life easier. Access member-aggregated pricing for all your office supplies requirements through our partnership with Winc.
Source: Winc.
