If your business is just starting up and you’re building an office for your first batch of employees, congratulations! It’s an exciting time! Enjoy every minute of it. But if you’re getting overwhelmed about what office appliances and PC components you’ll need, don’t be. Here are 5 non-negotiable must-have equipment you should prepare:
- Table
Most employees do not have their own offices, but the table gives them the “homey” feeling. However, since they will be spending most of their time on this table, you have to buy one that is big and comfortable enough for them.
Consider the following things when choosing an office table:
- Size – What will you be putting on the table? Will this be a place for the employee’s computer? A 3d printer? Something else? Consider what he/she will be working on here and pick a table size based on these tasks.
- Shape – WIll the table be just for one person? A rectangular-shaped one is usually standard for single employee use. There are also u-shaped, L-shaped, and tables in other shapes to fill in every corner of your office.
- Material – The material of a table will directly dictate its lifespan. If you bought solid wood tables, this could last decades. If you went with regular wood, expect that table to last for a couple of years. Metals and plastics-based tables would give varying lifespans since these materials come in a wide range.
- Ergonomics – For an employee to feel comfortable in this table, it has to have ergonomic functions like a pull-out keyboard rack, multiple built-in shelves, drawers for personal items, and so on.
- Assembly – This shouldn’t be an issue if you chose a table that’s delivered to you pre-assembled. If you’re going to be the one building it IKEA-style, then make sure all parts are complete.
- Ergonomic Chair
An ergonomic chair makes it worthwhile for an employee to work long hours. Not only can these functions allow users a bit of personalization, ergonomic chairs also offer the user much-needed comfort.
Take a look at these factors when buying an office chair:
- Adjustable seat height (pick one with pneumatic adjustment lever or swivel)
- A seat that is about 18 inches wide with 2 to 4 inches depth
- Lower back or lumbar support (adjustable lumbar height and depth)
- Comfortable seat material (It should be sturdy but breathable)
- Ergonomic backrest and armrest
- Monitor
Picking out the monitor is important, especially if your line of work requires all-day activities in front of the display. In general, a large screen is always best (regardless of industry or job).
The most suitable monitor for the job varies, but curved monitors are quickly becoming a popular choice for business use. Of course, it remains a top choice for professional gamers and those working in the entertainment industry, since curved monitors give users the best 3D experience possible and prevent eye strain, headaches and dry eyes usually associated with long hours of computer use. .
- Computer
Budget is your first consideration when it comes to office computers. Next, you’d have to think about the following:
- What kind of PC should you invest in? Laptop or desktop? If you’re open to employees bringing their work home, a laptop may be a better choice.
- Processor: Does the work require an advanced processor? Higher than core 2 duo?
- Memory: The more memory your computer has, the more programs you’d be able to open simultaneously. 4GB is basic for standard office tasks, but creatives would require 16 GB or higher.
- Hard Drive: This is the storage of a computer and most already come with 250 GB to 750 GB of space. But if you do animation or work on CAD, the files saved are always massive and eat up a lot of space. Consider your activities in the company when computing hard drive requirements.
- Graphics card: This is a must-have if you’re involved in game development, web design, architecture, animation and other graphics-heavy tasks.
- Software: From the operating system to antivirus programs and job-specific software like Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Word, and so on, all of these cost money. Prioritize which ones you’d absolutely need.
- Ergonomic keyboard and mouse
The keyboard and mouse may seem like such an afterthought, but they shouldn’t be. I’ve known people who weren’t trained to type properly that are now suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, bad posture, and other related conditions.
Having an ergonomic keyboard and mouse on every office table gives the employees a fighting chance against aches and pains.
Note that there are different models available and many of them do not look like the standard keyboard. But every model serves a purpose (for example, one designed for carpal tunnel syndrome reduces force on the wrist, while another one designed for gamers is keyboards with quick-access keys).
Begin your business start-up right with an office that your first set of employees would love. After all, your employees will help your company achieve goals after goals, so giving them the best equipment and accessories should work to your advantage.
