Many offices have become paperless within the last decade, which means that once crucial items like photocopiers, fax machines and filing cabinets are fast becoming a thing of the past.
However, there are still some components of the modern office that are as valuable as ever and even some relatively new innovations that have quickly become indispensable.
If you are setting up a new office or just streamlining your existing one, here are eight essential items you should keep in your working environment.
Good Computer System
For your business to work as efficiently as possible, it needs to have a good computer system. Therefore, it is worth investing in computers and laptops that have a good amount of RAM and a fast CPU.
While pretty much all computers are Bluetooth and WI-FI enabled these days, it’s worth double-checking that yours are to avoid being left behind by the competition.
Fast Internet Connection
It doesn’t matter how state-of-the-art your computer systems are; if they are not backed up by a fast internet connection then they’re going to be slow.
On average, businesses require a minimum of 25 Mbps download speeds and at least 3 Mbps upload speeds to perform routine tasks like emailing, video conferencing, using cloud-based software and exchanging files.
It is worth checking if your internet provider is giving you access to the NBN as well.
Telephones
Outside of your computers or laptops, telephones are probably the thing you use most in the office.
Subsequently, you should make sure your working environment is equipped with enough landline and mobile phones to enable your employees to do their job as productively as possible.
For landline phones, make sure they have features such as team call notifications, collaboration tools, rule-based call answering and call screening.
If your staff rely on smartphones or other devices to do their job, make sure you have excellent bulk phone charging cables available, such as lightning cables, iPhone and Samsung chargers, Type-C cables and Micro-USB.
Whiteboard
If you’ve got no paper in your office or if you just need to get creative, you are going to need a whiteboard.
This office essential can be used for everything from brainstorming and writing to-do lists to posting motivational quotes and making generic announcements to all staff members.
There are a couple of whiteboard types you can choose from, namely magnetic and non-magnetic. While both do their core job equally well, the former provides you with the option of attaching paper, textiles, fabrics or other materials to its surface using magnets – which might be handy for presentations.
Whichever type of whiteboard you invest in, make sure you also procure a good number of whiteboard marker pens.
Good Office Furniture
Good office furniture is essential to any office for several reasons. Most notably it can help to create a functional and efficient workspace that is conducive to greater productivity.
Additionally, it can also create a good impression among potential clients or customers who visit your premises.
When choosing office furniture, try to select ergonomic pieces that are designed to look after the health and well-being of your office staff.
Laminator
If you do have paper in your office, a laminator can come in very handy. Not only does it make your documents look a lot more professional, but it can also prevent the paper from being folded, torn or soiled with stains, moisture or fingerprints.
For a relatively inexpensive cost, they can perform a vital function.
Air Conditioning & Heating System
Irrespective of where your office is based, it is important to have a fully functional and operational air conditioning and heating system.
These devices are crucial for office morale and productivity because if your staff feel too hot or cold during the time they are at work, they won’t be able to perform at their optimal levels.
First Aid Kit
As per Workplace Safety and Health Laws, having a first aid kit on hand is essential for any office, as you never know when you might need it.
A good first-aid kit should include plenty of quick solutions to a wide range of medical issues. Therefore, it is wise to include elasticised and crepe bandages of varying widths, gauze swabs, tweezers, antiseptic and burns cream, painkillers, sterile eye pads and disposable gloves, within your kit.
