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The pandemic changed the way people live and work, including the rise in popularity of work-at-home and remote job arrangements. That could all be over, however, if the 9 in 10 business leaders who want their workers to return to the workplace get their way.
While you may have your own opinion about whether it's better to be in the office or not, the right technology can certainly ease the transition and help you enjoy your time back in the office. If it's been a while since you've upgraded your workplace tech, consider giving these top tools a look this holiday season.
They may be just what you need to boost your work experience and start a new year full of opportunities.
Essential office tech gadgets
One of the top perks of working from home is that it may be easier to get comfortable, but that doesn’t mean your office environment can’t be just as cushy. Using ergonomic accessories designs to reduce muscle strain and fatigue can boost productivity and keep you from injury. Some of the more innovative gear provides maximum comfort and looks good, too.
Ergonomic vertical mouse
You’ll be using a mouse quite a bit in a typical workday. Look for one with the following features:
- Relaxed and natural hand positioning
- Detachable wrist rest
- Connection for up to three devices
- Bluetooth or USB dongle options
- Tracks without a mouse pad on almost every surface
- Long battery life of up to six months
- Programmable buttons for quick shortcuts
Additionally, consider a mouse that's certified by the Human Factors and US Ergonomics, and be assured it's designed with your health and wellness in mind.
Our pick:
HP 920 Ergonomic Vertical Mouse
Keyboard rest
Wrist fatigue and soreness are common side effects of typing a lot, but you don't have to settle for this type of wear and tear. A wrist rest supports your arms and hands and keeps you from developing bad form. Consider a wrist rest with the following:
- Cool gel memory foam to avoid hot spots
- A stable, anti-slip grip to hold your wrists in place
- Durable construction
Look for one that fits the keyboard you use most often. Even laptops use full-sized keyboards these days, so consider a rest that spans the entire length of your device.
Our pick:
HyperX Wrist Rest Keyboard
Mouse and keyboard combo
One easy way to equip your workspace is with a packaged duo made just for long work sessions. A wired mouse and keyboard combo can be very affordable and offers a plug-and-play setup, so you can start using them in seconds. Look for a keyboard that's quiet when you click the keys and has shortcut combinations to help you save time and keystrokes.
Our pick:
HP 150 Wired Mouse and Keyboard
Noise-canceling headphones
Even if your office environment is rather peaceful, having a durable set of noise-canceling headphones can help you block out distractions and stay focused throughout the day. Features of premium headphones to look for include:
- Comfortable materials throughout, with additional padding on the earcups
- 53 mm audio drivers for enhanced sound
- Microphone mute button with light indicator
- 10 mm microphone
- Multiplatform compatibility, for use with 3.5 mm, USB-C, and USB-A device ports
If you prefer earbuds, a good wireless pair should have the following:
- Bluetooth connection
- Hybrid Active noise cancellation (ANC) with transparency mode
- Multiple sizes of ear tips
- Fast charging time and up to 15 hours of talk time
- Charging case
- Wind detection technology to adjust mics and avoid noise
Wireless earbuds with transparency mode will help you hear some noise in the background. This is advised when you are outside or in places where blocking out all noise may be dangerous. This premium feature is a must-have for some work environments.
Our picks:
HyperX Cloud III Gaming Headset
Poly Voyager Free 60 Earbuds
Monitors
Depending on the work you do, a color-accurate monitor can be the difference between getting that print layout all right – or all wrong. Monitors also influence things like eye comfort and neck strain, so investing in one that meets your needs can keep you working comfortably for longer during the day.
Consider these top features of a high-resolution monitor:
- Full high definition (1,920 x 1,080 minimum) IPS display
- 178-degree, ultra-wide angle viewing
- 99% sRGB color gamut
- Freesync technology
A monitor that’s sustainably made can help support the planet, too; look for one with up to 85% recycled materials.
Our pick:
HP M27fw FHD Monitor
Docking stations
Even if you're working from one office, that doesn't mean you won't be moving around. Whether you're a road warrior or just moving from a cubicle to a conference room, a docking station can help you connect all your devices to your laptop and keep everything charged, too.
What should you look for in a device? These essentials are a good start:
- A single USB-C connection for charging and connecting other devices
- Small footprint of less than 5 inches by 5 inches
- Multiple ports for USB-C, USB 3.0, Ethernet, 2 DisplayPort™, and HDMI
- Lock slot for extra security
Your ideal docking station should be compatible with both USB-C and Thunderbolt devices, as well as multiple OS platforms.
Our pick:
HP USB-C Dock G5
Advanced tech tools for the modern office
The days of only using the phone to catch up with clients or coworkers are long gone. Today's business is largely video-based, especially since not everyone has come back into the workplace yet. The right video conferencing tools help you stay connected with fewer worries. That means less "Can you hear me?" and more "That presentation looks great!"
Webcams
Your webcam needs to do more than just show your face. Ideally, it should make you look good, too. That’s why professionals have turned to these basic specifications for any camera used in a work setting.
- Auto-adjust lighting
- Plug-and-play functionality with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and other video chats
- Full HD 1080 resolution and 66-degree wide-angle viewing
- Swivel and tilt to capture your best angle
If you use a Chromebook for work, you may also want to consider a webcam that’s “Works with Chromebook” certified. This ensures compatibility with Google Meet and other Chrome OS applications.
Our pick:
HP 320 FHD Webcam
Microphone
Do you need to showcase clear sound for a podcast, voice-over marketing segment, or simply an audio-only internet call? A quality microphone boosts sound production even for those with no sound engineering experience.
If you’ve never shopped for a mic before, here are some features that stand out in a high-end model:
- Large condenser to enhance low-frequency sounds
- Cardioid polar pattern for enhancing sound in front of the microphone
- XLR cable adapter
- Detachable pop filter for filtering out “p” sounds
- Anti-vibration shock mount to reduce bumping and vibration sounds
- Compatibility with boom arms and mic stands
Be sure you get the cords needed to set up your mic. Not all microphones come with all the parts you need. If you need a portable mic option, look for a stand instead of a fixed, mounted arm that attaches to a desk or table.
Software
What software picks should you use for video conferencing? It may depend on your employer. Most offices have their preference for tools, and internal meetings will likely happen with the solution of their choice. Fortunately, the gadgets on our list work with all the top video chat software, so you can focus on what matters: the conversation.
Advanced printer solutions
Your office may have a single commercial printer for everyone to share, but it's becoming common for some professionals to have their own multi-function printer right at their desks. If you're fortunate enough to pick the one you get to use, take a look at the functions available on models today:
- Two-sided scanning and printing, full-color copying, and fax
- Shortcuts to help you scan to the cloud, email, and eliminate other repetitive tasks
- Scan to create editable and searchable documents
- Auto feeder for up to 35 pages and two 250-sheet paper trays
- Self-healing WiFi to stay connected and privacy controls to protect your projects
- Both wireless and ethernet networking options
An optional HP+ printing system comes with additional features, such as keeping itself up to date and six free months of HP Instant Ink. With HP Instant Ink, you save on ink by having new cartridges sent to you before you run out. You never need to run to the supply closet or ask the purchasing manager to place an order. A prepaid recycling service with postage is included.
Our pick:
HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e All-in-One Printer
Summary
Employees have mixed feelings about going back to the office. After all, for some, it’s been a long time since they’ve seen the inside of a workplace breakroom. Getting back into the swing of things can be made easier with some high-performing tech that has all the details covered.
Your new gadgets should be comfortable, reliable, and speak to your personality, too. Many of the HP office devices come in multiple colors or formats to help you pick the right item for your work style. The great thing about the ideas on this list is that they aren’t just for the office. In fact, many of them can be tucked into a briefcase or bag and taken home. The best office gifts don’t make you feel like you’re in the office at all!
