Many companies invested significantly in employee home office set ups during the pandemic to ensure their team could perform their role effectively. However, with many Australian staff still following a hybrid model, is equipment being upgraded often enough? 

A new study commissioned by COS, an Australian-owned and operated company offering product supply solutions for the workplace, surveyed over 1,000 Australian workers and found that 62% of workers stated that they would be more efficient at their jobs if they had better equipment.

Delving deeper into the data, the study found that whilst 83% of people felt that they have all the necessary equipment to effectively perform their job in the office, only 58% feel they have the required equipment at home to do the same, indicating a disconnect that’s likely to be impacting the productivity of hybrid and remote workers.

Interestingly, 60% of people surveyed believe that a company should consider upgrading or replacing employee equipment every 1 to 3 years. However, only 42% of people said their equipment is upgraded in this timeframe.

On the findings, Co-CEO of COS, Belinda Lyone says, “Acknowledging that companies work within a capital expenditure budget, investing in equipment can significantly boost productivity. With such a high number of workers believing they would be more productive if given the correct equipment, it’s crucial for employers to set themselves and their employees up for success by providing the proper resources, regardless of where they work. This is a simple, cost-effective way to enhance workplace productivity.”

With the new financial upon us, now is a smart time for companies to upgrade their equipment. To help companies ensure that their team members work as effectively as possible, Belinda shares a few examples below:

Customise equipment and updates: Take a personalised approach when evaluating the equipment needs of each employee considering their roles, tasks, and work environments. Regularly conduct thorough inventory checks to identify deficiencies or outdated devices, replacing or updating them promptly to prevent workflow interruptions and maintain productivity levels.

Implement flexible equipment allocation policies: Develop clear policies and guidelines for distributing equipment based on job function, remote working frequency, and specific team needs. Implement a feedback process that allows employees to provide input on their setups, as different teams, roles, and environments may require varying equipment. To maximise the budget, establish clear policies and guidelines for replacing and enhancing equipment, ensuring that all needs are met effectively.

Take a holistic approach to ergonomic wellness: Educate your staff on ergonomic best practices emphasising the importance of a proper workspace setup. By creating awareness about this you empower your team to take proactive steps to safeguard their health and wellbeing. This includes providing them with ergonomic equipment that supports this such as adjustable desks, ergonomic chairs, and monitor stands, to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal issues enabling them to focus on their tasks without distraction. Encourage your team to take regular breaks, perform stretching exercises to prevent discomfort and injuries, and keep them alert and engaged in their work.

Belinda concludes,“Providing your workers with new equipment doesn’t need to be a tedious task and can be actioned quite quickly. With the start of the new financial year, now is an ideal time to assess your team’s needs and implement some of these tips. Establishing clear policies and guidelines for equipment allocation and updates will ensure that your team has the necessary tools to thrive throughout the year. Investing in the right equipment will not only set your team up for success but also boost overall productivity and foster a positive work environment.”

With our extensive market experience, COS can help set your company up for success. For more information on COS, visit: https://www.cos.net.au/

COS is the largest Australian owned and operated office products supplier founded by Dominique Lyone more than 45 years ago. Remaining a family owned and privately managed business, COS is now led by Dominique’s daughters, Belinda and Amie Lyone, who jointly hold the position of Co-CEO. The company received ABA100 Winner for Sustainability in the Australian Business Awards in 2021 and are proud to achieve net zero operations in 2024. Giving back is a priority, each year COS donates 1% of total annual revenue through the Lyone Foundation to support Australian charities focused on human welfare. COS has been proud to give back over $20 million to local communities through the Lyone Foundation.