Tongue in cheek list of 18 devices every organisation needs to increase efficiency and productivity
This is the third article in my “tech” series (it may be the last!).
The first article was how virtual reality (VR) is predicted to impact the recruitment process. The second was a list 18 “things” we didn’t have until after 2008.
This week is a tongue in cheek look at “essential” gadgets every organisation must have to attract the best talent.
Now, I really do hope you appreciate this is a tongue-in-cheek article. Some of the gadgets listed below I can see could be useful or helpful, while others, well, I’m not so sure about.
If you agree or disagree with me, or you think my list is a bit deficient in some way, please let me know.
Likewise, if you’ve found you struggle to hire the best talent because they absolutely must have “something”, then please let me know – I’d be delighted to help you find The Best New Hire. One that doesn’t require said gadget!
The AirBar
This is for all those employees who don’t know how to use a keyboard. If your next new hire can only drive a touch screen and you only have keyboards, then this is for you.
According to AirBar’s blurb, airbar is a sleek, lightweight device that instantly turns a regular laptop into a touchscreen.
The downside of the AirBar is that your office needs to be at least Windows10.
They can be purchased for around US$70.00 from Amazon.
The virtual laser holographic mouse
A Kickstarter project (I mentioned Kickstarter last week).
Somehow this enables you to never be without a mouse. Provided of course that you always have ODiN with you!
ODiN projects a high-resolution 8cm x 8cm trackpad wherever you need one. It only weighs 40g and fits into a pocket or a backpack. I guess that’s an advance on a mouse – I’m not sure I could fit my mouse into my pocket.
But for those times when I wish my pockets were big enough to fit my mouse in, I have to rely on the tried-and-tested scratchpad on my laptop. Like I’ve been doing for years!
However, if you really need an ODiN you can pick one up for approximately US$69.
Under (Standing) Desk Exercise Devices
According to Thomas Adams – a digital marketing consultant – his under-desk treadmill is one of the best tools he’s ever bought for his home office.
He said the standing desk with an under desk treadmill not only improved his productivity but also improved his overall health. At the same time, he did notice an increase in his power bill.
But fear not, if your next new recruit tells you they couldn’t possibly work without their under desk treadmill, you’re saved – Amazon is completely out of stock!
I guess you could offer them a Standing Desk Balance Board instead! These come in at a mere US$149 on Amazon and ships to New Zealand (for an extra US$32.62).
Or what about an under desk exercycle – at only 250mm high there’s no excuse for not having one of these under everyone’s desk (notwithstanding the fact Amazon doesn’t ship these to New Zealand). If it did, you’d be investing in your staff to the tune of US$399+(unknown) shipping per person.
I’m not sure about you but I can’t imagine how using my keyboard while in motion will be more productive!
Perhaps I’m missing something (apart from either of these two under desk gadgets)?
Here’s the balance board just in case you’re tempted – via Amazon
And the currently unavailable under desk treadmill just so you can picture what your next fitness-crazed new hire is talking about.
And the doesn’t-ship-to-NZ under desk exercycle
Height Adjustable Desk
Don’t have a height adjustable standing desk? Don’t worry – you can get these locally (and support local businesses at the same time) for your local office furniture supply store. They start at around NZ$500.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EY1TD4U”_blank”>Wind Up Shredder
Of course, if you’re really keen to get your employees exercising, you could invest in a wind up shredder – they’re quieter than your regular shredder and don’t require electricity (solar generated or otherwise) to function!
Available on Amazon for US$17.98 + US$6.34 they can be shipped to New Zealand:
VOIP telephone system – voice over internet protocol
Once these are set up and working just fine, they’re great. Long gone is the repeat and echo we used to associate with international toll calls back in the dark ages.
The downside of this though, is that if the internet or your power goes down is you could have people sitting around twiddling their thumbs.
Multi Function Knife
If you’ve got a Swiss Army Knife or a Leatherman or Stanley multi tool in the office you’re good to go. Provided it’s always returned to where it’s meant to be stored!
What happened to a regular ole screwdriver (in both Philips and flat edge of course)? Or a pair of scissors.
Oh! This is like the ODiN – for when all those things won’t fit in your pocket!
According to Matt Crawford of Pale Morning Media every office needs one of these multi tool gadgets.
A WiFi coffee machine
Wow! Imagine being able to improve time management and get through a full day of meetings simply by installing a WiFi smart coffee machine in your office!
These are the claims made by the Smarter Coffee Machine Company. At the same time each employee can have their favourite brew pre-loaded.
There’s an app for it – available in both Android and iOS so you’re good to go. None of your employees will miss out.
At the same time make sure you get each employee their own Wireless Heated Cup to keep their coffee at the ideal drinking temp. It’ll stay hot for a whole 45 minutes (keep your meetings short unless you want your wifi coffee machine to get overworked).
The wirelessly heated coffee cup can be recharged via USB.
Imagine – your team can keep theirs charged up while driving to work or on the bus or train using one of those USB charger packs!
But wait! There’s more! Recharging works for over 7 refills; the cup automatically turns off after 30 minutes to save power.
Every office needs one!
Best Recruitment Fit
As I said last week, if your organisation struggles to attract the best talent because you don’t have the brightest, shiniest or fastest kit for them to work with, please let us help. Here at EVP Recruitment we’re used to placing the best person into each role we fill. This is what we do each day. Every day.
Finding the best talent for our clients is just another day in the office for us. Which means our clients can focus on doing what they do best – keeping their business running.