In the post-pandemic America, we are all familiar with the work-from-home structure for many workplaces, large and small. According to Forbes, in 2023 thus far, 12.7% of full-time employees work from home, while 28.2% work a hybrid model. With this luxurious benefit also comes some security concerns, as home Wi-Fi networks historically are not as secure as corporate networks. When working remotely, it's extremely important to follow all best practices, even down to the hardware and software that you use.
Ideally, these hardware and software practices will closely mirror the items that you'd be using in office. Laptop, monitor, keyboard and mouse, phone (or soft phone), you know the basics. When it comes to software, you will ideally have collaboration platforms that perform the same in or out of the office, such as SharePoint and Teams. Let's dig into the importance of good hardware, at work and while working remotely.
In an ideal world, when purchasing hardware for your company, you'll want quality and quantity. Depending on the size of your company, you may not need quantity as much as quality. Quantity usually comes into play when larger organizations need to have stock of inventory for any necessary replacements. Regardless of what your goal is, it's important to have a plan. What types of hardware will be your standard? What type of laptop do your employees need to be set up for success? How much are you willing to spend yearly on hardware purchasing? The truth is, this may be hard to navigate, which is where partnering with a hardware supplier, or an MSP that provides hardware-as-a-service, like Charles IT.
So, what do you need to consider in your desk setup hardware purchasing?
When investing in a standard laptop, the best practice is to stick with a screen of at least 14 inches. This allows the laptop to be big enough to work regularly on, while also being small enough to easily use on the go if travelling. Any laptop under 14 inches changes the standard keyboard size. You'll want to invest in a laptop style that has a sim card slot, so you have have phone service anywhere. You'll also want to consider the built-in webcam, ideally with depth sensing for increased quality. Charles IT's standard and recommendation is the Dell Latitude lineup of laptop models.
Yes, that's right, if you're investing in hardware, office chairs are absolutely a part of that. After all, you don't want your employees distracted with back pain! You'll want to consider:
Good office chairs do come with a hefty price tag, but the positive side is that it's a long-term investment and usually not yearly purchases. Unless your company growth rate is skyrocketing, which is a positive anyway! Charles IT recommends Poppin as a good place to purchase high quality, ergonomic chairs.
Monitors are probably the most diverse hardware option you can choose from. There are many
Charles IT's standard is 24" Dell Professional Series Monitors -- this is what we see our clients investing in most frequently. Again, this is all going to depend on what your company does, how many tabs you'll need open at once, and personal preference.
Keyboard and mouse may seem like a small focus point when it comes to hardware, but it's actually one of the most important aspects when it comes to working comfortably. The recommendation for a company standard is:
Ah yes, the hardest hardware item to pick. Welcome to the confusing world of printers. First off, you'll want to look into cost per page in an office environment and choose what's best for you. This will depend on what you use the printer for, and how often it'll be in use. Laser printers are usually ideal, as they don't ever have the problem of drying out. The ability to AirPrint is also a huge factor that's often overlooked when choosing a printer. If you're an Apple/Mac based company, this is important to consider. Event if it's just that most of your employees have iPhones. Another important aspect is the ability to scan to email and scan to SharePoint, if you're a Windows environment.
We've reviewed all of the standards and what to look for in office hardware, now let's see how to apply that to a remote work setup for all those remote or hybrid employees.
In today's technology-driven world, hardware plays a crucial role in enabling businesses to operate efficiently and securely. However, acquiring and maintaining hardware can be a significant expense, making it essential for businesses to carefully consider their hardware budget and security needs.
Establishing a clear and well-planned hardware budget is essential for businesses to optimize resource allocation and avoid unnecessary expenses. When creating a comprehensive hardware budget, it is crucial to take the following factors into consideration:
Ensuring the security of your hardware is crucial in safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring uninterrupted business operations. It is imperative to implement strong and comprehensive security measures to protect your hardware infrastructure effectively.
Equipping your employees with the right hardware, whether they work in the office, remotely, or in a hybrid setting, is essential for empowering them to work productively and securely from any location. The significance of investing in high-quality hardware cannot be emphasized enough, as it directly influences the success of your company. Not only does top-notch hardware provide your employees with the necessary tools to effectively perform their tasks, but it also enhances their overall work experience.
If you're looking to enhance your company hardware and/or software, reach out to us today to see how we can help simplify your navigation of the different aspects.