5 home office tech essentials to boost your productivity

By Adam Turner

Having the right tech set up is essential for maximising productivity when working from home.

Without the proper tools, tasks can take longer, focus can dwindle and efficiency can suffer.

First and foremost, avoid slouching on the couch by using an adjustable office chair, which helps prevent discomfort and distraction. A fast and reliable internet connection will also help keep the workday on-task, with less time to wait while larger files or websites load.

When it comes to tech, external monitors, docking stations and a streamlined device set up will help with focus, multitasking and efficient workflow – crucial for work-from-home success.

A great docking station connects to a laptop with a single cable, making it easy to begin work.

The Belkin Universal USB-C 11-in-1 Pro Dock works with Windows, Mac and Chromebook.

It can supply power to the laptop via a USB-C port and can connect up to three external monitors, a keyboard, a mouse, speakers, a network cable, an external storage drive, a desktop printer or scanner and any other important peripherals.

The extra real estate of an external monitor comes in handy when working from home, especially when working on documents side by side.

The 27-inch Dell P2725HE connects to a laptop via USB-C. Along with supplying power to the laptop, the monitor can double as a docking station thanks to built-in USB-A and USB-C ports.

Tilt, swivel, pivot and adjust the height of the monitor to create the perfect workspace.

If using an external monitor, it is a good idea to to sit a USB webcam on the top, to ensure ‘eye contact’ with the right lens during online meetings.

The Logitech Brio 500 offers automatic light correction and features noise-reducing microphones, as well as auto framing – which means the camera can follow along with any movement during the meeting.

The addition of 'show mode' allows the camera to tilt down to show others what is on the desk if needed.

For those looking to keep things simple, a laptop stand allows screen elevation to an upright position at eye level. The Bonelk Elevate Laptop Stand suits laptops sized 11–17in and can raise screen height from 56mm–215mm.

It features two hinges, allowing adjustment to the perfect viewing angle while working, or fold it flat for easy transportation. An external keyboard and mouse can be connected via USB or wireless Bluetooth for enhanced usability.

Having a headset is essential to avoid disturbing others in the house.

The JBL Free WFH wired headset features built-in volume controls plus TalkThru, which lowers the volume and lets in the outside world for quick conversations at home without removing the headset.

The microphone arm can also be detached when listening to music.