When the weather heats up, so do the distractions. Between vacation schedules, rising temperatures, and the temptation to take it easy, staying focused in the office during the summer months can be a challenge.
But the right tech tools and office gadgets can make all the difference. As a Long Island-based IT and cybersecurity firm, we work with businesses across industries—from law firms to title companies—who rely on technology to stay efficient, cool, and productive all season long.
Here are 7 office gadgets we recommend to help your team beat the summer slump.
1. USB Desk Fans
Let’s start simple. A personal desk fan that plugs into your laptop or monitor via USB can help keep you cool without having to blast the office A/C for everyone. It’s a low-cost way to stay comfortable and focused during those hot, humid Long Island afternoons.
Bonus: Many models are quiet enough not to disturb Zoom calls or coworkers.
2. Noise-Canceling Headphones
Between open windows, lawn mowers outside, or coworkers talking about their beach plans, noise levels can rise fast in summer. Noise-canceling headphones help block out distractions so you can zero in on your tasks.
They’re great for remote employees too—especially if they’re working from a patio, café, or busy household.
3. Smart Temperature Controls
If your office has a smart thermostat (like Nest or Ecobee), consider setting it to adjust during work hours for comfort and energy efficiency. You can even program zones for different departments or rooms.
Don’t have one yet? It might be time to add this to your summer tech upgrade list.
4. Portable Laptop Stands
Working from different locations—conference rooms, shared desks, or remotely—can lead to bad posture and eye strain. A lightweight, adjustable laptop stand can make a big ergonomic difference, keeping your screen at the right height whether you’re in the office or on the go.
5. Cooling Laptop Pads
High temps can overheat laptops, especially if you’re working near a window or in a sunlit room. A cooling pad or stand with built-in fans helps keep your laptop running smoothly—preventing slowdowns and extending the life of your machine.
6. Smart Plugs and Timers
Summer is storm season on Long Island, and sudden power outages can wreak havoc on electronics. Smart plugs and outlet timers can help you control devices remotely, shut things down during off hours, and even reduce phantom energy use.
Pair them with surge protectors to protect against power fluctuations during storms.
7. Blue Light Glasses or Screen Filters
If your team is working longer hours during the summer or shifting to more digital communication, eye strain can become an issue. Blue light-blocking glasses or monitor filters can reduce fatigue and help everyone stay sharp—even on long screen days.
Bonus Tip: Keep Devices Updated and Backed Up
Gadgets are great, but they work best when your systems are secure and up to date. Summer is a great time to review:
Antivirus and software updates
Cloud backups for mobile workers
Battery health and UPS systems for storm protection
Employee awareness around cybersecurity risks like fake software updates or spoofed vacation emails
If you need help prepping your business tech for a productive summer, our team at ETS IT Solutions is here to support you.
Need help choosing the right summer tech or optimizing your IT for the season?
We offer local, personalized support for businesses across Ronkonkoma, Hauppauge, Smithtown, and all of Long Island.
