Think about your current workflow. You have a routine and a way of doing things at your desk. It’s okay. Sure, sometimes you can’t easily access all the necessary programs or documents at once on your monitor screen. And in an increasingly paperless workplace, sometimes you wish you could just print off a few documents to have in hand so that you didn’t have to keep opening and closing windows, or minimizing tabs to see everything at once, but it’s okay. Or is it?
What if a very simple change could make more efficient use of your time and desk space: a simple change like using multiple monitors?
The benefits of using multiple monitors are, well, multiple! Speaking to only two different multiple-monitor users reveals several ways that they maximize their time and efficiency.
For example, Heather Tessier, ARIDO for atWork Furniture, describes several ways that she uses her dual monitors. Describing the drawing of designs for her clients she says, “I often drag and drop files from my e-mail on the right (monitor) into folders on the left! I no longer have to open one program, then minimize it, then open another; I just open up two programs and can switch back and forth easily. I can read instructions from a client in my e-mail while I have a drawing open on the other screen.”
She continues: “The other benefit is that I have completely eliminated the need for paper price books at my desk! I have a digital copy of the price book open on the right and then the quoting program on the left! No paper!”
Tim Bahula of ABWE Canada adds his perspective on how using three monitors assists him in his work: “Currently I work remotely designing and teaching online courses. As such, most of my meetings are online. Having multiple monitors is essential for doing this. One monitor displays the video feed of my colleagues, another displays meeting notes, and the third displays additional resources required for the meeting. All of these are available at a glance, no clicking or keyboard shortcuts required.”
What about time-consuming training and complicated software? Heather Tessier reassures us that, “There is no training necessary. I had no difficulties switching – we literally just plugged it in, changed a display setting on the computer and that was it.”
In terms of equipment, Tim Bahula acknowledges that, “Discovering how best to utilize multiple monitors in a workflow will take some time, but is largely a matter of personal preference. Workstation ergonomics is an ongoing concern, but adding multiple monitors doesn’t alter the fundamentals of proper seating, lighting, and spacing. atWork has great hardware for supporting and positioning multiple monitors as well as the ergonomics expertise to implement these solutions.”
Heather Tessier agrees saying that, “The must haves for me are a duel monitor arm and keyboard tray – this gets the screens and keyboard off the desk so you can have your work in front of you.” She gives us a final functional benefit that, “You can also get the screens really close if you forget your glasses!”
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