Boost productivity by automating tasks, monitoring the activities of remote workers, and utilizing communication and collaboration tools. Installing dual-monitor setups is another simple hardware-based method to help employees get more done.
According to the most recent edition of a 15-year Jon Peddie Research survey on multiple-monitor use, dual monitors have been shown to increase productivity by 42%.
Even though workers can complete their tasks with a single monitor, having two monitors could enable them to work even faster and more effectively, freeing up time for other less tangible aspects of their jobs like networking and professional development. We’ll look at various monitor configurations and how they can improve productivity and efficiency during the workday.
What does it mean to be set up with two monitors?
A workstation equipped with dual monitors has two computer monitors. Instead of having a split-screen on one monitor, the user can view both workspaces in full-screen mode while working on multiple tasks at once on multiple screens.
Jamie Opalchuk, the founder and CEO of HostPapa, stated that most computers and laptops are preconfigured to support multiple monitors and don’t require additional software to configure. Moving a window or application from one display to the next is all that is required.
Extensive technical knowledge is not required to operate a dual-monitor setup. According to Opalchuk, “Most applications remember which monitor you use, so the computer knows which programs you wish to launch on each monitor after initial configuration.”
Is it possible to use a laptop as an extra monitor?
A laptop can be used as a second monitor, or with the right adapter, it can be upgraded to a second monitor.
“With my dual setup, only the two primary monitors are “active,” and the laptop is kept behind the monitors on a stand nearby. You’ll need a few adapters; the exact number depends on the computer. According to managing partner at Webconsuls John McGhee, these adapters will connect to the monitors using whichever port the laptop has.
McGhee’s 2014 Macbook Pro and his 2021 Macbook Pro both have Thunderbolt to VGA adapters and a USB-C to HDMI adapter.
Some of the more recent Mac laptops have two USB-C ports, while others have more or less. Only one is left over after the charger and the adapter. Get an adapter that supports multiple ports—and a variety of ports—to connect all desired devices if you want to add a keyboard and mouse to your workstation or more than one extra monitor.
You’ll probably use an HDMI display connection with Windows PCs and laptops; these adapters are readily available and reasonably priced.
In what ways do two monitors improve productivity?
There are several ways that dual monitor setups can improve productivity and streamline work.
When doing side-by-side tasks, dual monitors save time.
By reducing the time needed to finish particular tasks, like data entry, a second monitor boosts productivity. An example of a data entry procedure could be as follows:
- Locate the relevant data by opening your report template.
- Open all relevant documents that staff members have sent in.
- Go to the first document you need to search for the information you need, and then open all the necessary documents.
- Return to your report template and update it with the necessary information.
- Return to the first document, confirm that the data was entered accurately, and then open the subsequent document.
Continue doing this until your report is complete. In this scenario, if you have three documents to include in your report, you will be flipping between them at least thirteen times, assuming you only need to extract one number from each document.
The following advantages of a second monitor for this data entry procedure are:
- Every document is available at once: Open the source documents on the second screen and the report template on the first.
- Reduced document switching: Because you can view the report template and all source documents simultaneously, you only need to switch between documents seven times.
- Increased accuracy: Seeing the report and the source document at the same time helps you become more accurate.
- Shorter completion time: Changing between documents only takes a mouse movement and click of roughly 1.5 seconds. The next document typically opens after a double-click with an average delay of 0.5 seconds, for a total of roughly 2 seconds. Every time you put together your weekly report, having a second monitor will save you 66 seconds if you require five numbers from each source document.
Using two monitors makes video presentations easier.
By enabling you to keep track of what you’re presenting while using a platform like Zoom to share your screen with presentation participants, a second screen can enhance online meetings.
“In my experience, Zoom presentations frequently require you to share your screen with others, which makes it challenging to refer to anything else on your screen without letting other attendees. Everything from meeting notes to email alerts can be managed on a second screen that is hidden from view by attendees.
One monitor can display the meeting or presentation in full-screen mode while you work on another monitor if you have to attend a video meeting in addition to working.
Having two monitors expands the workspace.
You will probably feel more at ease and in control of your work when you have enough room to arrange your tasks and maximize efficiency.
“It is much more comfortable to work at my desk now that I have more workspace thanks to the dual monitor setup. The founder of Kenko Matcha, Sam Speller, stated, “My productivity levels have skyrocketed with this improved comfort.” “I can split up my work between the two screens, using one for writing and entering data into company systems, and the other for reference.”