But transitioning from a full work set up to a home monitor at first can be quite daunting. Knowing how to use a monitor and choosing the right monitor and possibly more than one can help be used for a more productive set-up.
What kind of monitor do you need?
Depending on the type of work you do can determine your work from home set up. A majority of computer work can be categorized into the following:
- Business monitor
- Gaming monitors
- Ultrawide monitors
- Work monitors
And while it may seem that only tech or analytic jobs rely on computers, the reality is, a majority of our modern lives today depend on having a good monitor to fulfill our needs.
Business monitors have higher resolutions, higher refresh rates, and lower response times. They offer more options than a regular home monitor. Computer monitors with higher resolutions are compatible with larger monitors, making them great for presentations.
Gaming monitors seem specific, but due to their flashy graphics and lightning fast refresh rate, are standard for a variety of creative industries. Often they will boast a wide color gamut, which is how colors show up on screen. They are often used in drafting and construction industries.
Ultrawide monitors are much larger than regular monitors. Due to the amount of screen space, they can be used in place of multiple monitors. In effect, they can work in lieu of business or gaming monitors. This is often used for duties that include using multiple spreadsheets.
Work monitors, like their names suggest, are probably the ones people are most familiar with before their transition to remote work. They take slight design considerations. Some models offer slight curved monitors for a more immersive experience.
How many screens should you use for optimal productivity?
Multiple screens can often help your work set-up be more productive. By eliminating switching between screens, users can save time and work more accurately. Limiting the amount of time performing an unnecessary task as large amounts of information and data is being sifted through can also prevent burnout in the long term. This becomes increasingly important as the lines between work and our personal lives become more blurred.
Studies have shown increasing two monitors increases productivity by 25% and three monitors increase by 35%.The main reason can be due to the real estate of the screen. Much like how having a bigger desk allows one to spread their work out to see things more clearly.
Are they affordable?
Another consideration after determining the kind of work you do, and the appropriate specs of the monitor is the affordability of changing to a multi-screen setup.
There are smaller screens that offer mobility if your work from home set up also needs to be mobile. However, they do not offer the kinds of benefits we’re mentioning here today. They are, however, more economical and affordable if your work does not require working in creative industries, where refresh rate and imaging is an issue.
Starting with two screens is the second cheapest way to start building your multi-monitor home set up. Depending on the direction you’d like your screen to be, or the content of what you need your monitor for, mounts are an accessory you can include so you achieve not only the optimum set up, but a setup that is also comfortable for you for long periods of time.
Lastly, if you can afford it, and your work requires you to consume and review massive amounts of information, having three monitors may be your optimum setup. This set up however, takes up the most space and is the most involved to set up. Sometimes, this might involve having a computer that is compatible with projecting from three different monitors at the same time.
How does using more than one screen help you ergonomically?
Like in an office setting, ergonomics with a dual or triple screen set up is important. Arguably, it’s even more important for a home or remote work set up. For more than one screen, having the screens centered is a more ideal set up. It keeps the content on both or three screens within your line of sight without moving, and without additional strain on your neck.
Forced, awkward ways of working through minor pain in the long term and compounded can lead to work related injury or chronic pain. This is called work related musculoskeletal injury (WMSD).
Monitor accessories can aid in using a computer in a more natural position. For example, with the advent of standing desks, you can also buy mounting to pivot your screens in a way that feels natural to you.
As you continue to improve your office life from home, it can really make a difference being comfortable but agile in your work from home situation. Considerations for the type of work you do may ultimately guide you in how your home office will look. Mimicking your office set up at home might come down to budget. In addition, like in an office setting, even though you work from home, it may not necessarily mean you can forget that you will be in the same position for an extended period of time. Creating a space so you are comfortable but alert can enhance or take away from all the benefits of a multi-monitor work from home set up.
