10 Essential Office Equipment You Should Have in Your Office
By Esther Adeniji
One aspect of branding that many SMEs in Nigeria often overlook is the internal appearance of their office. Your business needs to be conducted in a conducive environment. A conducive office environment has the necessary equipment put in place for the day to day business operations.
There is essential office equipment in your office as a Nigerian business owner. If you plan on opening a new office for your startup in Nigeria, you can check out these 10 essential office equipment.
10 essential office equipment you should have in your office
- Photocopiers
When it comes to keeping a record of daily activities and transactions at the office, paperwork would be required. Therefore, your employees will need to make photocopies to document your office paperwork. Due to the excess number of copies needed daily, a photocopier should be on standby.
To become a successful entrepreneur in Nigeria, you need to learn how to cut costs by getting this kind of equipment in the office. When you also consider the stress it will take employees to outsource this service from a third party; you will realise that it is better to have the machine in the office. And while the cost of getting one may be relatively expensive, you can consider browsing through Jumia online store and check for a discounted price.
- Office furniture
You must have HSE-standard furniture in your office to help staff and clients alike comfortable while sitting or waiting in the office. Often, employees develop back pains from sitting on an uncomfortable chair and eventually have serious back, knees, and leg illnesses. Therefore, your office furniture must be of good quality, relieve back stress for staff, and be easy to use. This is not limited to formal office space. If you are the type that works from home, you should ensure you have this in your home office too.
Some Nigerian businesses do not even have waiting chairs for clients, which is inappropriate. The same way an entrepreneur provides chairs for employees is how provision for clients should be made available. Remember, the more comfortable a client uses your services, the more willing to patronise your business.
The type of chairs you can get in your office include; ergonomic chair, swivel chair, saddle chair, 24-hour chair, exercise ball, egg chair, executive chair, meeting chair, banquet chair, and leather chair.
- MiFi Routers
Reliable WiFi connection equipment is one essential thing you should have in your office. We are in the digital age where over 90% of your transactions would be conducted using the internet. Hence, you need a device that will allow employees and clients to access the internet. To install an internet connection in your office, you can get MiFi Routers from network providers in the country. Some of the best MiFi Routers in Nigeria are; Airtel LTE MiFi, Hauwei Glo 4G MiFi, JoFi 4G LTE MiFi, ZTE Universal Mobile MiFi, MTN 4G LTE MiFi, and 9Mobiile 4G LTE MiFi. Also, if you are short of cash, a courtesy visit to Jiji can save you some huge expenses.
- Computer, laptop, and other accessories
In Nigeria today, if you are looking at getting equipment that will enable your employees to function better in their job roles, a computer is one of the essentials. Therefore, a desktop or laptop computer should be made available in the organisation for employees to use.
The function of computers in your office is it allows the implementation of technology and digital skills for the users. Also, with a computer, at the office, paperwork becomes reduced. You can use Microsoft software or Google Docs to create and store the organisation’s data. Computer accessories such as; mouse, flash drive, etc. It should also be made available.
- Printer
When employees need hard copies of documents for record-keeping or presentation, the printer comes in. A good printer will keep you to identify the original documents and the duplicates made by photocopy. This file can be in white and black or coloured format. The printer is a piece of equipment used by employees whose duty requires paperwork or record keeping, like a secretary, accountant, cashier, business consultant, etc.
Documents printed can be photocopied using the photocopier to reduce the workload on the printer. Also, the printer needs to come with extra toners. Toners are the ink that used on the printer. Toners do get exhausted and require to be refilled from time to time.
- Television
This equipment is placed in the waiting room or offices of senior staff. The purpose of television is to keep guests, clients, and staff entertained while at work. However, the staff is not allowed to watch TV during working hours. As a Nigerian business owner, having a television at the office might seem unnecessary because it does not directly generate income for the company. However, it is a form of hospitality the company renders to the clients and guests. Clients that get comfortable tend to have a positive mindset about the organisation.
- Refrigerator
A refrigerator in the office kitchen allows employees to refresh during working hours. In some companies, employees have the right to take any item from the fridge, while in some, employees are only allowed to use the fridge to keep their lunch to avoid it getting spoiled. Offices that provide employees with a refrigerator are fun to work with.
- Standby generator or solar panels
The number one tip for surviving as a business in Nigeria is to remember that electricity is not stable. Also, you can get charged outrageous bills from the Electricity Distribution Company. So as an entrepreneur looking to make profits in this country, you have to learn to look for an alternative source of electricity.
The best alternative source of electricity for a Nigerian business is either a generator or a solar panel. The advantage of a solar panel over a generator is that it can work endlessly, while a generator requires fuel to be powered. Therefore, in a situation with fuel scarcity, a generator might not be the best option for your business.
- File cabinet
A file cabinet is needed to store all the necessary documents and data used in business operations. Hardcopies of documents like; employees’ bio, letters, receipt, meeting minutes, etc. c, need to be stored in a file cabinet. Offices need to have a file cabinet among the essential equipment.
- Air conditioner/Fan
There is a need to provide a free flow of air in the office. An office is usually filled with more than one person, so it is necessary to make provisions for an AC or fan to help reduce heat. In addition, working under cool conditions helps employees get comfortable in their work environment.
11· Telephone/Landline
Communication is needed in the office. That is why a telephone or landline should be at employees’ desks to allow them to communicate effectively with each other. In addition, a landline help to connect more than one desk, so there is no need for employees to walk around while passing a message to each other.
12· CCTV
Security is another important thing to consider at the workplace. The security of the office building, workers, customers, products, etc., must be considered when getting equipment for the workplace. A better way to keep security in check is by purchasing and installing CCTV cameras at vital points in the office. The cameras are connected to a system where daily activities are monitored. This device is one of the first things a company should consider when shopping for office equipment.
Conclusion
Office equipment is not things that are placed at the office. Office equipment is needed for employees to perform their tasks better. You can decide to get equipment without getting the right ones, that is why we put together ten essential office equipment you need in your office.
