Make your desk cordless

What’s currently sitting on your office desk? Chances are it’s a desktop computer connected to the internet, and supporting tech accessories. With that comes a desk cluttered by power cables, which can be a productivity killer for employees, an eyesore to visitors, and sometimes even a safety hazard. 

According to a survey conducted in the UK, a typical employee desk contains at least six wired devices. That equals over twenty metres of exposed cords snaking around a desk. If you add the wiring of all other employees in the office, while factoring in the spaces where shared electrical devices with wired cables are stationed, the office is at greater risk of wire management problems. 

As one would expect, desktop computers are the main culprits that create the chaos of tangled cables under your desk, however, laptops can come with their fair share of wiring requirements, from the charger to an ethernet cable and a USB port hub. And that’s not even counting the must-have tech accessories like webcams, phone chargers, and headphones. It might be easier to tame these wires by investing in a cable sleeve, but if you’re looking to give your desk a cable-free makeover and yourself some breathing space, below are some upgrades worth considering. 

Add wireless internet

If you’re going to cut the cords in your office, a good start is by installing wireless connectivity. For this internet solution, it’s best to switch your employees’ desktops with laptops to reduce the amount of ethernet cables in the office. The mobile workforce is a new reality many offices are facing. No longer are employees tied to ethernet-cabled devices as they now move around the office, work where they want and how they want (laptop, smartphone, or tablet) without having to worry about connecting cables. 

Wireless keyboard and mouse 

Switching to a laptop is the best way to get rid of external keyboards or mouses, but if employees require these for their laptop, and if you prefer to stick to desktop computers, a wireless keyboard and mouse are the alternatives. Since these devices hook up wireless, they require only batteries in order to work. Many wireless keyboards feature the layout of traditional keyboards yet they are smaller than their predecessors. Both the wireless keyboard and mouse come with a radio receiver that plugs into a keyboard port or USB port, and is activated with a “connect” button located on these devices. 

Wireless headphones

If your company has a listening policy that allows employees to bring in their headphones or you regularly make video calls, you might want to get your hands on a set of wireless or Bluetooth enabled headphones. Not only do they provide listening comfort – the wires don’t disturb you while you’re working and there’s no more detangling – but the audio quality is usually far superior than wired headsets. 

Wireless webcams 

Video calling has become a critical element in businesses, whether it’s communicating with distant clients and managers, or doing video interviews. If you’re using a video calling app for audio chat you don’t need a webcam, but a camera is a necessity for face-to-face calls. Most modern laptops have a built-in camera, but if you’re still using a desktop, a high-quality wireless webcam is an excellent choice.

Wireless charger

Wireless cell phone chargers aren’t completely cable-free as they must be plugged into a power outlet in order to do their job. But, there are also wireless chargers that go straight into a wall or roof socket. This year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) unveiled the Wi-Charge, a long range transmitter that delivers power to compatible devices via infrared light frequencies within a 9-metre radius. While not yet available to purchase, Wi-Charge is an example of how manufacturers are aiming for a truly wireless experience when it comes to charging. 

When you have wire clutter all around you, it can feel like a real challenge to focus on your work and stay productive. Hopefully, these suggestions will transform your desk into a clear, organised working space, free from productivity-killing distractions.