Tag: #workfromhome

More than four in five workers would not be comfortable with webcam monitoring – one in two say it’s a “huge invasion of privacy”

Almost four in ten (39pc) workers would choose a higher-paid job over a job which allowed them to work from home, while more than one in three (35pc) would choose the job that allowed them to work from home. Furthermore, remote working is more important to female workers in Ireland than their male counterparts.

These are some of the findings of a nationwide survey commissioned by employee benefit and pension specialists Lockton Ireland.

The survey, which polled more than 700 workers in Ireland’s labourforce, found that most people (69pc) believe that workers should be entitled to work from home – if their duties can be performed remotely. Less than one in three (31pc) believe it should be up to an employer to decide whether or not an employee can work from home. Women in particular believe workers should have the right to work from home, with more than three in four (76pc) stating this – compared to just over six in ten (63pc) men.

Three in four survey respondents (74pc) said they would not be comfortable turning on their webcam while working from home if requested by their employer to do so – with almost half saying they would refuse to turn such a device on as they would consider it a ‘huge invasion of privacy’.

The Privacy Issue

Commenting on the findings, Ray McKenna, partner with Lockton Ireland, said:

“Our research shows just how important working-from-home (WFH) has become to so many people – and within such a short timeframe too. The WFH trend was the biggest change to hit the world of work in decades, perhaps centuries. It has completely transformed how people work. It allows people to organise their work around their life and work when they’re at their most productive. This in turn should allow people to work alongside the challenges which life throws their way, to work for longer, and to pursue multiple careers if they wish. It will also open up opportunities for people who may have struggled to participate in the workforce before.”

“Despite the strong support for the WFH option, less than one in seven (16pc) people would be prepared to turn on a webcam at the request of their employer – even if failure to do so would prevent them from being able to work from home. It shows just how uncomfortable the thought makes Irish workers. Any employer considering going down this path should be very careful. The issue of webcams has proved to be a contentious one of late – last October, a Dutch court awarded a man €75,000 in compensation after his American employers insisted he kept his webcam turned on throughout the working day.”

Women and Working From Home

The Lockton survey also found that men were more likely to choose a higher-paid office-based job than a lower-paid WFH job – with 44pc of men saying they would opt for the job that paid the higher salary. Just over one in three women (35pc) said they would choose the higher-paid job.

“Almost four in ten female respondents said they would choose workplace flexibility over a higher salary. This is a clear indication of just how instrumental that option could be when it comes to keeping women in the workplace,” said McKenna. “More needs to be done to encourage and facilitate female participation in the labour force. Currently about 60pc of females are in the workplace – compared to 71pc of males.The barriers for female participation in the workplace are well documented. The cost of early childhood education and childcare in Ireland is one of the highest in the EU.

“Traditionally, much of the responsibility for childcare in this country has fallen on women – and while men are playing a more active role today than previous generations did, women still take on much of the childcare. It’s no surprise then that many women take a step back in their careers when they have children and that options such as part-time work are often pursued by females.

Lockton referred to a recent report by the European Commission which found that the number of women participating in the labour force in Ireland has reached a record high due to a shift to remote working during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr. McKenna advised,

“To ensure women have equal opportunities in the workplace, it is crucial that employers at least consider the WFH option for all employees, where those jobs can be completed from home. This would also give more men the opportunity to work from home too, should they wish to – which will also help level the gender playing field around childcare and work opportunities”.

Other highlights from the Lockton Ireland’s Workers survey include:

  • More women than men would have no problem with a request to turn on a webcam (30pc versus 21pc) – with those aged 55 and older the more likely age cohort to have no problem with this term of employment (47pc versus 20pc of those aged between 35 and 44).
  • 44pc of people aged 25-34 would opt for the higher salary if they had a choice between a job with a higher salary and a lower-paid WFH job. This compares to 22pc of those in the 35-44 age bracket – perhaps a suggestion that people of this age have young families, so their priorities have changed in terms of what they need from their job, making them more likely to choose the WFH option.

 

Remote workers cause surge in hacking! Tips on how to use Wi-Fi

It’s not uncommon for organizations to have employees that travel to different locations whether it’s to visit customers or different offices, especially with the rise in remote working and remote co-working spaces.

When these employees travel or work outside of the office network, they often connect to public Wi-Fi hotspots which could be creating a ‘massive surge’ in hacking crimes according to web filtering platform Titan HQ.

Providing users with remote access to the corporate network can help improve employee productivity, but it introduces a high level of cybersecurity risk with a chance an attacker could also gain remote access. However, this is far from the only danger when it comes to public Wi-Fi as hackers can also easily target individuals and their information with ease when connecting to public Wi-Fi.

When it comes to public Wi-Fi, the most likely threat is a common hacker or scammer attempting to steal a user’s information for profit. Attackers are often after personal details such as your name, address, financial information or social security numbers. There is also the potential for blackmail if an attacker finds compromising documents or images on your device.

As you peruse your favorite social media site, access your email, and check to see if a financial transaction cleared your online bank account, a hacker could easily capture all of your login credentials and data. So what is the most dangerous word or phrase when it comes to Wi-Fi?

“Free Wi-Fi”

As a result of the rise, in the US, the FBI and the Federal Trade Commission have all urged caution when using free Wi-Fi and be mindful of the security risks. Other organizations such as the AARP have cautioned its members that “Free public wireless networks may come at a steep price – the theft of your finances and identity.”

Free WiFi is everywhere these days, giving us the ability to work remotely in coffee shops and restaurants. It’s very convenient but potentially unsafe. Connecting to a public Wi-Fi network requires little authentication – at best you’ll be greeted by a captive portal and have to check a box agreeing to the terms of service.  Anyone can connect to these networks, including cyber criminals.

The presence of any of these factors can contribute to an insecure environment, in which hackers can easily target unsuspecting users who are oblivious to their potential jeopardy.  Some of the most common threats include the following:

  • Stealing your password or personal information within a non-encrypted connection or through a rogue access point
  • Session hijacking so that a hacker can browse a site using your own online account
  • Obtaining information on your computer by directly accessing your computer
  • Downloading malware and viruses that can then conduct their malicious task

On public Wi-Fi, there are many ways scammers can use to get to you. Here are some of the most common:

Man In The Middle attacks

These attacks are one of the most common while using public Wi-Fi. A hacker captures the data you are sending. Most hackers who use this method exploit flaws in apps or websites that allow them view the information being passed. The information can include bank details, passwords, personal identification information, and other data that could be used for identity theft. The most common type of MITM attacks is those that occur over unencrypted and unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

The easiest way for an attacker to exploit public WiFi is to position himself between clients and the router. A man-in-the-middle attack is like eavesdropping where an attacker can get in-between points A and B and intercept data. Sometimes this data can be modified in the process of transmission to trick the victim into disclosing sensitive information, such as login credentials. The victim will likely never notice anything is amiss. Once the user falls for the deception, the data is collected.

Fake Hotspots.

Not all public hotspots are legitimate. Attackers create “free” WiFi networks (often called evil twin hotspots) in an attempt to lure in unsuspecting users. When you connect to such a network, you give criminals an opportunity to monitor all your data. All an attacker has to do is find a high-traffic location and set up a fake network with a legitimate sounding name like ‘Hotel Wi-Fi.” By the time the attack is uncovered or authorities have isolated the source of the signal, the attacker has moved on – with the stolen user credentials.

The whole experience is transparent to the victim. Most of the time the hacker allows the victims to reach their intended Internet destinations while they secretly eavesdrop on the network traffic so that they can steal the information from the victims as the victims attempt to log in to their e-mail, provide credit card numbers while shopping online, etc. Avoid using open Wi-Fi hotspots – always ensure they’re secured and that a password is required to access them.

Wireless “sniffing.”

This is a practice where your data is observed, intercepted, and interpreted. It helps experts to diagnose any problems on the network. In the wrong hands, it can be used to monitor and collect data from unsuspecting victims.

Common Tools used by Wi-Fi attackers

While many sites are switching to Secure Socket Layer (SSL) which provides end-to-end encryption, there are various ways an attacker can circumvent this. One example is an SSLstrip, a tool that transparently hijacks HTTP traffic on a network.

This lets security managers assess the risk level of a network with the push of a button but it can also make it easy for attackers to scan public WiFi networks and find vulnerable devices – including yours.

“It doesn’t take long for a determined hacker to crack an unprotected  wifi network. For would be hackers, there are a multitude of websites that promise to help you crack wi-fi passwords in two minutes. Many others provide significant detail on wireless hacking tools’ Ronan Kavanagh  from TitanHQ said.

“This does not mean that you should never utilize public Wi-Fi. It just means you should take precautions. If you wouldn’t verbally give out your password in a crowded coffee shop then you should see a wireless hotspot as being full of prying ears as well as everyone shares the same wireless access point. In a sense, it is one big conversation.”

How To Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi:

1. Check the Terms and Conditions.

In your desire to get some free internet, it can be quite tempting to click through any terms and conditions that pop up on your screen. However, you should be careful about what you sign up for in public. A huge amount of free public Wi-Fi also takes something from you. These firms will give you some bandwidth as long as you agree to give them your email address and a phone number for instance. Try to find time to read before agreeing.

2. Stick to Advertised Wi-Fi Networks.

Just because you see free Wi-Fi pop up on your screen does not mean you must connect to it. Hackers are known to set up free Wi-Fi that they use to mine data from unsuspecting individuals. If you see open Wi-Fi that is not advertised publicly, you will have to think twice about using it.

3. Only Visit Secure Sites on Wi-Fi.

The green padlock at the top left corner of your browser shows you that you are connecting to a secure site. This sign is even more important when you are relying on free Wi-Fi. Think hard before doing anything important when on free Wi-Fi. For instance, avoid making any credit card transactions on public Wi-Fi. Additionally, it is best to use a mobile browser rather than an app when on public Wi-Fi. Mobile browsers are better at checking the security of sites than apps.

4. Switch Off Sharing.

When your device is connected to the Internet in a public area, you will not want to share anything. You can turn off sharing in the Control Panel depending on the OS you use. You may also opt to have your OS do it for you by choosing “Public” the first time you connect to a public network.

5. Switch Off Wi-Fi Capabilities in Public.

Even when you are not actively connected to any Wi-Fi network, your computer hardware can still transmit data to any network that is in range. There are measures in place to keep such networks from getting in touch with you. However, hackers can be quite smart, and they can get into your laptop. Besides that, switching off Wi-Fi settings allows you to extend the battery life of your device.

Other Useful Tips.

Avoid downloading anything when using public Wi-Fi. Additionally, always ensure that the OS and all other software are always up to date. Although your device automatically manages your connection when you are on public Wi-Fi, it is always best to double-check. When you are done with Wi-Fi, always forget the network. That way, you can reduce the security risk to your device. Additionally, make simple choices like using different passwords for each app.

  • Always ask the establishment what the name of the official hotspot is.  This will prevent you from making incorrect assumptions and choose a malicious hotspot.
  • Disable the “auto connect” or “auto-join” functions for saved hotspots for all of your wireless devices, which is good advice in general.

Tech Review – Maidesite T2 Pro Plus standing desk

Over the last Three years or so I have been using several types of set-ups at home for my work and tech reviews, In fact I have two set-ups in at home and it is just as well I do and it is great to have those options with kids so I have a place to work in peace and quiet when required so for me having a set-up I can move to in an instant is important for me to get things done without interrupting my workflow and both set-ups would have similar products at hand and all ready to go so the only thing that needs moving is my phones.

Having a desk is important and space and having tested several options the sit stand desk or a desk that can move up and down is ideal and when it is electric it is even more sweet and less hassle for me and anything else as no movement is required of products and cable management is now embedded in pretty much all these types of offerings.

So the latest one which is now set up is from Maidesite and this is their Electric Standing Desk S2 Pro Plus and it is a superb standing desk and suits all my needs down to a tee. What’s more this one is not as complicated to set up like previous ones or holes need to be drilled into your walls and little tools required, in fact they are all in the box bar a screwdriver to mount the control unit the rest is all allen key screws and the key is provided.

Setting up did not take long either which only took me about 25 mins to get the whole thing set up and running and that was another bonus for me as time matters plus it is fairly simple and not complicated as some can be as mentioned.

The best way top set up is to grab two chairs and lay the table top on it upside down of course take out all the pieces and lay them in order with the screws provided and have it all ready at hand and then follow the instructions on the booklet inside, these may seem complicated for some however with this table no so much. You can see some of this set-up process in the video below anyway and how it all works and get an idea of what it all looks like..

The great thing with this Desk is the ability to move it around plus the controls to raise and lower the table which can cater for adults and kids but for me standing is the better option and healthier but I can also sit down should I want to and my daughter can use it for college and so on and for my main use which is office work and tech reviews it just solves several issues in one place and does it really well and can be used in several ways. I do change my set-ups from time to time and rotate the tech for example and will have an additional new triple length light to clip onto the back of the desk when I use two laptops for example sometimes I just have one on the desk and would be doing videos so there is plenty of space regardless here to do multiple tasks and do them easily with no cables in the way.

The frame itself here what impresses me most too it is solid and sturdy given all the dimensions and weight involved it does not move an inch when working on it either in a sitting or standing position and for me who is one to lean on such the same applies and makes this super robust and can be placed away from a wall or in the center of a room the choice is yours.

The control board actually has a USB port on it too which makes it great for charging my phone for example of any other bits like earbuds and headphones so all I need is at my fingertips in reach and no hassle and all is kept simple and that is how I like it and that is what this table offers, simplicity with all in your reach and the space to do what you need.

 

Features

  • The Flagship electric standing desk for Pros
  • Height adjustable range 62-127 cm, best for 5-6.3 ft people 140×70 cm table top
  • 140x70cm Eco-friendly one-piece desktop, supports 2 oversize monitors
  • Optional cable management tray, drawer, castors and hook for cozy working
  • Dual motor lift mechanism with 125 kg load capacity
  • 4 preset memory heights for best posture
  • Tested and Recommended by Furniturefashion & igor’sLAB
  • FREE and fast 2-5 working days delivery
    T2 Pro Plus Standing Desk Frame: https://bit.ly/3eOrQPH 
    S2 Pro Plus Standing Desk(whole set): https://bit.ly/3AkM9fZ 

Video review

 

HP expands product portfolio in the Irish market to Make Hybrid Work, Work

At the HP Amplify Executive Forum, HP Inc’s annual partner roadshow, the company announced a new device which is now available in Ireland to help people thrive in their hybrid work environments.

 “Ways of working have changed significantly over the past few years, with people seeking the flexibility to collaborate and create wherever they need to be, and the technology they use is fundamental to this,” said Neil Dover, Country Manager of HP Ireland. “HP is in a strong position to support the hybrid working world through hardware, software, and services, and we are thrilled to bring this new PC to the Irish market; the HP Dragonfly Folio G3 – the hybrid-ready convertible PC for business.”

With nearly half of workers having at least some flexibility in where they work in 2023, workers want devices with personalised experiences that enable them to securely collaborate, create, and be productive no matter where they get work done.

 

Your new mobile office

HP continues to deliver premium experiences in its expanded Dragonfly portfolio. With a pull-forward design that seamlessly transitions from laptop to tablet, the HP Dragonfly Folio G3 empowers collaborative thinkers to create, capture, and share ideas whenever they strike.

The PC combines laptop productivity with the convenience of a tablet in one device to enable true productivity when working from anywhere. The PC makes brainstorming and whiteboarding ideas a personalised experience with natural and intelligent inking with the HP Dragonfly Folio Pen. The pen magnetically attaches to the device, features three programmable buttons, and can wirelessly charge to 100% in 30 minutes. Users can unleash even more creativity by using their pen on the display of the PC to ink on a secondary connected display with HP Indirect Inking.

Never miss an opportunity to whiteboard and naturally capture ideas on with the HP Dragonfly Folio Pen.

Enhanced by HP Presence, the PC offers collaboration features for more productive and engaging video conferencing experiences. The 8MP camera ensures users show up naturally and the 100-degree field-of-view makes it easy for another teammate to join on screen when collaborating in person. When users want to think on their feet, HP Auto Frame keeps them in frame when they want to stand, stretch, or move around – perfect for days with back-to-back meetings. It also automatically adjusts voice volume to maintain consistency whether users are close or far from the microphone. When working remotely, users can worry less about background sounds with AI-based noise reduction that filters outbound and inbound noises. For added security, the HP Privacy Camera allows users to disable the webcam with the touch of a button.

The PC is built with recycled magnesium, aluminum,and ocean bound plastics.

HP Wolf Security for Business provides a resilient defense against malware and hacking, while new seamless firmware ensure 50% reduction in update time and allows users to stay productive and continue working during updates. To go one step further, HP Privacy Alert lets users know when prying eyes are viewing their screen so they can quickly switch on optional HP Sure View to blur the screen from unwanted eyes.

The new thermal solution optimises PC performance without adding significant weight or thickness and the new dimming features helps conserve battery power for long work days.

When it comes to personalising the mobile office experience, the myHP application provides a single dashboard to control and customise PC settings for excellent video, audio, and more.

Pricing and Availability

  • The HP Dragonfly Folio G3 is available now in Ireland for a starting price of €1,499.

Tech Review – Edifier CC200 headset

With the dawn of working from home a big thing new products are en masse and that is not a bad thing for the consumer when it comes to choice and so on, however there seems to be a push back into the office of late but the products can be used both at home or workplace and this new headset can be used just the same.

This one for me however is different,  I do test mostly headphones and having a full earcup missing is funny. Yes I use headphones or earbuds on calls every day as this is what I do but this product is interesting still and so easy to use yet has plenty of features.

The headset is light so can be worn all day literally and the mic arm can swivel both ways, in other products I did test or try this was an annoyance for me having the arm locked on one side so this is a bonus for those who like or want to have the ability to swaps side, this might seem odd for some but probably those who do not use such products trust me it is nice to be able to swap sides.

This not only works with your PC or laptop this works with your phone, some headsets do not and require a USB A connection again some phones allow you to get around that if they support OTG whereby you would simply add an adapter and off you go but not very convenient in my book. This is a bluetooth option rather than cable so for most would work better I would think although it is another device to charge but it is what it is. You do easily get 2/3 days out of this headset which is great and can be charged overnight of course and does not take long to charge.

The sound is where it rest with most but difficult to call it with one side I did a sound test in the video review below so you can make your own call and in real life use fashion you can hear things going on and get a real life sense or what to expect and it is good,calls are good and clear and it can be used for music which for me is great, not the best in the world for music but it works and there is your controls there too to do what needs doing and you get a busy light too which I like.

For the price in question it is a good headset and be be used not only for your office calls and so on but in a personal capacity.

Main Features:

Crystal Clear Call Quality The Caller hears you — not your surroundings, with a noise-cancelling dual mic with DNN noise reduction technology to block out background noise in a flexible microphone boom. Dual MIC AI Call Noise Cancellation

  • The beamforming microphones pick up and enhance your voice with incredible accuracy through DNN noise cancellation technology and AI algorithm, bringing you high-quality even in a noisy environment.
  • Immersive Audio Experience – With a  30mm composite diaphragm driver for more immersive audio experience.
  • Long Battery Life Around 64 hours for music play and around 29 hours for call.
  • Busylight Visible call status.
  • Compatible with Multiple Devices – Support PC of mainstream Windows and Mac operating systems compatible with mainstream Android， iOS mobile phones, etc. Convenient connection in one go.
  • Rotatable MIC boom, 240° back and forth adjustment. Accurately picking up sound at any angle and greatly improving the call clarity.

£49.99

Edifier CC200 Wireless Bluetooth On-Ear Mono Headset with Noise-Cancelling Microphone – HD Voice – 29hrs Talk Time- USB-C Cable -Multiple Calls Control – Ultralight Design – Black: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

Video review 

 

Tech Review – Ergotron JŪV Wall mounted workstation

With working from home now a thing the right tools for the job would be required for those who do so and now being a more permanent option for many as some do have the hybrid option this is a desk you should look at which comes in several forms and colours electric and non electric, this is part one of my review in its current state as I am waiting on new equipment to arrive however even as it is now it suits my needs and more and the rest just adds to the options you get with this company that thinks of everything.

I have been using their older sit stand desk for some time and this alone is another option for those who want the most robust equipment at their disposal, heavy yet portable this desk can be moved around the house too but I advise two people move it if doing so, the same applies to the latest table on offer which is a two man job to lift and install and it will take around an hour or so taking your time to get this right with the level it is set height wise and width wise so be sure to make sure you have the space and include all the optional extras that come with it.

The desk does fold away which is neat and does not look to out of place either you have a massive work space enough for two desktops or two laptops and there is also risers on the rear if you wish to avail of those, you also have an electric option to raise and lower the desk which is handy and the materials used are top notch as expected from the company and they will last and ny old sit stand table is testament to that which I have in another room.

Ergotron JUV wall mounted desk set up 2

As seen above and the header image is two examples of how I have been using the desk but there is many more ways to do so and we will see all this in a later review when the good arrive for my final permanent office space, what I like about this top is the space available at hand it can be split into two almost and have your work and in my case review space on the one desk and not having to worry about anything, behind the centre monitor is where all the cables go and you can also remove the cover where you can hide cables and more and this is where the risers can be fixed too for mounted monitors.

Designed with Ergotron’s patented Constant Force technology, the non-electric JŪV™ Wall mount supports agility by allowing users to move quickly and quietly from sit to stand, eight to ten times faster than traditional height-adjustable tables. It offers the full BIFMA ergonomic range – an industry-first for a non-electric adjustable surface – and is built with a fully concealed cable management system, giving users instant access to power and data without sacrificing aesthetics.

There is a difference here as there is no cut out if you will to lean in toward your workstation like the last one which I became custom to but after using this for some time now this is also fine and working with both is not really an issue now it would be down to personal preference I guess and what your needs are but both fine for me.

The JŪV™ Wall range is available in a variety of size and colour combinations; the JŪV engine in Graphite or Snow White, and the worksurface in Birch Wood or Icy White. Customers can always stay connected and work efficiently, thanks to direct access to power and charging adding the special JŪV power accessory. Next to that, they can complete their ergonomic experience with the monitor riser accessory available for up to two computer screens.

If you are working from home you should check out what the company has to offer and not only do they cater for folks working from home they also work with other fields such as medical and so on see Ergotron for more and what they can offer you

Creative Launches the Chat USB, the Ideal WFH Audio Companion

Creative Technology today announced the launch of the Creative Chat USB, a convenient USB-C on-ear headset that is fit for all-day audio enjoyment and works even better for conference calls. The latest headset comes with a built-in noise-cancelling boom mic and swivel-to-mute function along with SmartComms Kit’s auto-mute and two-way noise cancellation features that make online calls a breeze for users. From webinar presentations to conference calls, the Creative Chat USB offers quality audio and effective noise-cancelling capabilities that works to prioritize voice pickup over unwanted background noises, so users can truly focus on what matters most, the conversation.

With a simple plug-and-play setup, users can be ever-ready for any conference call with the Creative Chat USB.

Built with a pair of 40 mm Neodymium drivers, the Creative Chat USB has been intricately designed to deliver excellent audio performance that precedes its price by offering a much bigger audio bang for the buck. So, be it for work calls or entertainment, users can expect nothing but high-quality and crystal-clear audio playback all day.

The Creative Chat USB is also easy to set up with convenient compatibility across various popular conference apps such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Coupled with nifty smart features and improved call quality, the Creative Chat USB has all the makings of the perfect audio companion for any online calls.

Pricing and Availability

Creative Chat USB is attractively priced at £44.99, $49.99 in the US and €49.99 in Europe and is available at Creative.com.

For more information, visit creative.com/chatusb.

Dell unveils new portable and video conferencing monitors to support those working from home. #Dell #WFH

Dell has today announced three new additions to its monitor line: the Dell 14 Portable Monitor (C1422H) and the Dell 24 and 27 Video Conferencing Monitors (S2422HZ and S2722DZ).

Dell 14 Portable Monitor

 Built to be the ultimate laptop companion, Dell’s first ever 14” portable monitor delivers dual-screen productivity to work, present and collaborate anywhere. For professionals working in the office, at home or on the go, users will appreciate the monitor’s lightweight design, weighing less than a pound and a half and less than a quarter-inch thick at its slimmest, making it extremely easy to travel with. Featuring FHD resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio with IPS technology, this monitor offers easy plug and play with USB-C connectivity. Simply press the quick access buttons to adjust brightness (up to 300 nits) and ComfortView feature that reduces harmful blue light emissions.

The sleek yet practical design complements all workstyles and productivity demands with a small continuous tilt stand that bends from 10 to 90 degrees. It also features Energy Star and EPEAT GOLD certification.

 

 

Dell 24 and 27 Video Conferencing Monitor

Hanging out virtually with friends, family and co-workers has never been easier with the new 27-inch QHD / 23.8-inch FHD monitors made for video calls. For an easy out-of-box experience, these monitors come with a built-in 5MP privacy pop-up camera, noise-cancelling microphones and dual 5W speakers. The pop-up camera stays hidden until users are ready for video chatting, plus you’ll enjoy amazing video clarity and crystal-clear sound.

These beautifully designed monitors feature Dell’s TÜV-certified ComfortView Plus – an always-on low blue light reduction technology that optimizes eye comfort while retaining color accuracy.  Other features include the convenience of USB-C connectivity, AMD FreeSync technology and 75Hz refresh rate for leisure gaming.

Pricing and availability

  • The Dell 14 Portable Monitor will be available worldwide from August 31st, starting at €230 ex. VAT.
  • The Dell 24 Video Conferencing Monitor will be available worldwide from October 1st, 2021, with pricing to announced upon release.
  • The Dell 27 Video Conferencing Monitor will be available worldwide from October 1st, 2021, with pricing to announced upon release.

3 ways to make working from home easier

The pandemic ushered in a new and unprecedented era of home working, with most offices closing their doors. 

No matter what the future holds, this appears to be a trend that’s set to continue.

#1 Differentiate home from work

This is the most important tip, but perhaps one of the hardest to implement. Even though you’re working from home, you need to carefully divide your home/working environment. This has productivity and mental health benefits. Doing all your work in the main family rooms, with the television blaring and children playing, isn’t a good idea. You’ll find it harder to concentrate, tasks will take longer and stress will inevitably build. Similarly, when the working day comes to an end you need to be able to leave work behind and relax.

Try to design a home office that has your computer, files and an ergonomic office chair. This is your workroom. Ask that people only disturb you if it’s urgent and make sure that the whole household is aware of your office. When the day comes to an end you can close the door and leave work behind. This psychological differentiation means that work doesn’t saturate your home life, safeguarding mental health and providing a routine.

#2 Take scheduled breaks and find ways to relax

Since you’re already at home, the home/work balance can become blurred. Working hours tend to elongate and you can lose sight of taking time for yourself. Always schedule breaks and get away from the computer screen. It’s tempting to spend the break flicking through social media, but use it to go for a walk, exercise; even just stepping away and brewing a cup of coffee can make a big difference.

When the working day comes to an end, don’t dip back in. Instead, find ways to relax and destress. Treat working from home exactly as you would working at the office. Spend time with family and friends when the day ends, prepare dinner and generally do all that you can to maintain a healthy balance. Working from home encourages a certain amount of absorption, but don’t let your job come to dominate your family life.

#3 See if you can work a hybrid model

Many have relished the change to work from home, but for others, the lack of support and sensation of isolation has been less than appealing. Employers are flexible, and many are now offering some kind of hybrid model that fuses home with office work. Hybrid working takes many forms, but there are broadly three types.

The first and most common has you work a part of your week at home and then another portion in the office. This gives you a set routine and most employers will be flexible about the days. A similar model involves working one week in the office and another week at home. Finally, some companies will allow you to base yourself at home but keep the office open for enquiries, advice or simply as a place to go when you need some quiet.