Blog Layout

The Power of Dual Screens: Boosting Productivity for Any Job

December 30, 2024

Maximizing Your Screen Real Estate: The Benefits of Dual Monitors

A man is sitting at a desk in front of two computer monitors.

When you see people working with two monitors, you might assume they're doing specialized work that requires all that screen space, or they just really like technology. But having an additional display can benefit anyone, even if you're doing accounting or document work all day. 


We often get used to being boxed in by the screen size we have, struggling to fit two windows next to each other or continuously clicking between layers of windows on the desktop. This can eat up time during the day, and using dual screens can help eliminate this issue. 


The Productivity Benefits of Dual Screens 


According to a study by Mavenlink, 73% of surveyed businesses say they spend over an hour per day on average just switching between different apps. But how much can using a second monitor improve productivity? Probably more than you realize. 


Jon Peddie Research found that employees in all types of jobs can improve productivity by an average of 42% when using two screens. From three studies conducted over 15 years, they also found that between 2002 and 2017, there's been a significant rise in the use of two monitors, with a compound annual growth rate of 10%. 


The Advantages of Adding a Second Screen 


Do More in Less Time 


The biggest advantage to using a second monitor is that you can do more in less time because you're not struggling to get to the windows you need when you need them. 


Expands Screen Space for Laptops 


Laptops are great for portability, but the more portable the laptop, the smaller the screen space. Connecting your laptop to a monitor can significantly improve the experience and make it like working on a normal desktop PC. 


Side-by-Side Comparisons Are Easier 


There are a lot of tasks that require looking at data in two windows. With two monitors, you have the screen real estate you need to fully open both windows and have them right next to each other. 


More Freedom During Video Calls 


Have you ever been screen sharing on a video call and needed to check an email or review notes? With dual screens, you can choose which screen you want to share during meetings, and still have apps open on the other screen that no one can see. 


Fairly Inexpensive Productivity Booster 


Purchasing another display is a fairly low investment when looking at technology. A monitor can be purchased from anywhere between $125 to $250 on average, and with a 42% average productivity boost, it can have a pretty sweet ROI. 


Need Help Improving Productivity? 


There are several productivity boosts that you can get using the right technology tools, and they don't have to cost a fortune. Ask us how we can help you! 

HCS Technical Services

A desk with a laptop , cell phone , watch , pen and papers.
March 15, 2025
Discover the Unlikely Threats Lurking in Your Daily Life and How to Protect Yourself
A blue shield is surrounded by a digital background.
March 11, 2025
The Importance of Comprehensive Data Protection
A desk with a laptop , cell phone , watch , pen and papers.
March 4, 2025
Hidden Dangers, Secure Solutions: Protecting Your Data Beyond the Password
It looks like a computer screen with a lot of glowing icons on it.
February 27, 2025
Innovate and Thrive: Tech Trends for Small Business Growth
A stop sign with a gift box crossed out
February 25, 2025
Defending Your Business: Strategies to Combat Gift Card Phishing
By Todd Gates February 25, 2025
One click is all it takes for hackers to steal your company’s financial data. Cyber threats are evolving—don’t wait until it’s too late. Download our free report, 3 Surefire Signs Your IT Company Is Failing To Protect You From Ransomware, and book a quick 10-minute call to safeguard your business today!
A group of people are sitting at desks in an office.
February 21, 2025
Balancing Act: Security vs. Productivity in Your Office Finding the sweet spot between strong security and a productive workforce is a constant challenge. Too much freedom on your network is risky, but too many security roadblocks can kill productivity. It's a delicate balance, but achievable. Ignoring either security or productivity can be disastrous. A recent Microsoft report revealed a shocking statistic: only 22% of Azure Active Directory users have multi-factor authentication (MFA) enabled. That leaves a huge number of businesses vulnerable to account breaches. Why the low adoption rate, especially when MFA is incredibly effective (99.9%) at stopping fraudulent logins? The biggest culprit is user inconvenience. MFA is often free to enable, but if employees complain that it's too cumbersome, companies may avoid it altogether. But sacrificing security for convenience can backfire big time. A data breach can lead to expensive downtime and even put smaller businesses out of commission. With 35% of breaches starting with compromised logins, neglecting your authentication process is a huge gamble. The good news is that you can have both security and productivity. It just requires smart solutions that improve authentication security without driving your team crazy. Solutions That Boost Security and Productivity Contextual Authentication: Smarter Security Not everyone needs the same level of security. Someone working in your office has a higher trust level than someone logging in from another country. Contextual authentication, used alongside MFA, lets you target high-risk logins. You can block access from certain regions, require extra verification after hours, or adjust security based on: Time of day Location Device used Time of last login Type of resource accessed This way, you can ramp up security when needed without inconveniencing users during normal work hours and locations. Single Sign-On (SSO): One Login, All Access The average employee uses 13 apps and switches between them 30 times a day! Imagine having to go through MFA for each login – talk about frustrating! SSO solves this by combining multiple app logins into one. Employees log in once, complete MFA, and then have access to everything. This significantly reduces MFA hassle and makes it much more palatable for users. Device Recognition: Automating Security Registering employee devices with an endpoint device manager automates some of your security, making it less of a burden on users. Once registered, you can set rules to automatically block unknown devices, scan for malware, and push automated updates. All of this happens behind the scenes, boosting security without impacting productivity. Role-Based Authentication: Tailored Access Not everyone needs access to the same information. Your shipping clerk doesn't need the same level of access as your accounting team. Role-based authentication lets you tailor access and security based on an employee's role. This simplifies account setup and automates permissions, saving time and improving security. Biometrics: Fast and Convenient Biometrics (fingerprint, facial, or retina scans) are one of the most convenient forms of authentication. They're fast, easy to use, and don't require users to remember complex passwords. While the hardware can be an investment, you can roll it out gradually, starting with your most sensitive roles. Many apps now include facial scanning, making it even more accessible. Need Help Finding the Right Balance? Don't sacrifice security because you're worried about user pushback. We can help you find the right solutions to improve your authentication security without compromising productivity. Contact us today for a free security consultation!
A group of people are sitting at desks in an office.
January 30, 2025
The Digital Workplace: Benefits, Challenges, and Opportunities
Two men are shaking hands in front of a computer screen.
January 28, 2025
Managing data and IT solutions in-house can be challenging and expensive. That's why many organizations turn to Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to help manage their IT needs. What is an MSP? A Managed Service Provider (MSP) is a third-party company that provides technology and expertise to help businesses manage their IT needs. They offer a range of services, including IT support, cloud management, and cybersecurity. The Benefits of Working with an MSP Working with an MSP can have numerous benefits for businesses, including: Improved performance and operations Enhanced security and compliance Increased scalability and flexibility Access to expert knowledge and technology 24/7 support and maintenance Choosing the Right MSP When selecting an MSP, there are several factors to consider, including: The MSP's track record and reputation The range of services they offer Their level of support and responsiveness Their approach to security and backup Their guidance on workflow options Six Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an MSP Factor #1: The MSP's Track Record Look for case studies, success stories, and testimonials to demonstrate the MSP's suitability for your business. Factor #2: The Range of Services Consider the services the MSP offers and ensure they meet your business needs. Factor #3: Support Look for an MSP that offers 24/7 support and can adjust their staff schedules to meet your business needs. Factor #4: Response Time Choose an MSP that can respond quickly to incidents and mitigate risks to your business. Factor #5: Security and Backup Ensure the MSP has a robust security strategy and backup plan in place to protect your business data. Factor #6: Guidance on Workflow Options Look for an MSP that can provide guidance on best practices for workflow and data management. Recruit Your MSP Carefully When selecting an MSP, don't just consider the price. Look for a team that is a perfect fit for your business, even if it means paying more.
A person is using a cell phone to scan a qr code on a tablet.
January 21, 2025
Why Those Simple Black Squares Might Be More Dangerous Than You Think
More Posts
Share by: