Stop and look at your desk. Without you realizing it, you are accompanied by two essential tools that can affect your performance at work: the keyboard and the mouse.
Since the pandemic and the rise of teleworking, many managers have had to completely remodel their home offices to adapt to the new normal. But did they choose their work tools wisely? For Jeroen Hoogland (Amsterdam, 1971), CEO of the multinational peripheral company Trust, choosing our keyboard, chair, screen or mouse “is something that directly affects our productivity.”
“This is a very personal decision. There are many devices that can improve our work performance. For example, in the mouse category, those that have Dot Per Inch technology offer a much faster response” , assures the Dutch manager. For those unfamiliar with DPI technology, it is the magnitude used to measure the sensitivity of a mouse: the higher the DPI, the farther the cursor will travel with very little movement. Specifications that, according to Hoogland, “guarantee a much more comfortable and fluid way of navigating between pages when working.” But what peripherals would you recommend to a manager who spends many hours in front of the computer? “Under the umbrella of my own experience, I would always select the peripheral that provides you with greater comfort, functionality and also durability. In my case, I also look for devices that are environmentally conscious. I like softer and more compact keyboards because I travel a lot and I always have to carry different peripherals with me,” recommends the Trust leader. Furthermore, he adds that the right devices – along with correct posture – “can really prevent people from developing diseases such as stress, fatigue or pain in the shoulders, neck or arms.”
“We must be aware that the technological world crosses new horizons every day,” he highlights. From computers the size of a room in the 20th century to touch screens, virtual reality or wireless technologies: “In recent decades we have seen infinite changes in the market. Our way of relating to our devices at work or in our free time has mutated completely”. And the peripheral industry, Hoogland points out, changed radically with the pandemic and the emergence of eSports. “There is a predilection for customization, especially in the field of gaming. A trend that began in the high-end segment and that has now been democratized with much more affordable prices like those we offer from Trust without sacrificing quality,” he comments. However, the computer peripherals industry benefited during the pandemic “but went through difficult times after that boom, and this will be the company’s first year of growth after Covid. This year we will launch about 150 new products on the market, something never seen,” he points out.
Lead a changing market
Hoogland landed at Trust at the end of 2022 after several professional experiences in organizations such as Philips or GP Industries. The decision to lead his current company is based on a very simple premise: “Trust is a Dutch company and I am very Dutch,” he argues, smiling. “I have been working in consumer electronics for more than 30 years. It is a very dynamic industry in which competition always evolves and in which you must always be alert. I am passionate about it,” he details. In his case, he continues, “you can never think about what you already have. The moment you start taking things easy, often something goes wrong. You really have to be on your toes.”
Attention and dedication that he also demands from his team of 200 workers. “As CEO I like to be close to people and the business. I am quite pragmatic and must make decisions quickly. Therefore, in our market, it is important to give clarity to the team. Dealing with staff is possibly the most important part of my job along with customer treatment. That defines whether at the end of the day we will be successful or not. Sometimes, he adds, “I see myself as a kind of sports coach, who seeks to have the best athletes [profesionales] on your team. If you give them confidence, they will guarantee your success.” In this sense, “if an employee suffers from stress or fatigue, I always ask them what kind of support they need from me,” explains the Dutch executive.
On a more personal note, Hoogland confesses that he doesn’t have much time for personal projects because “I’m really enjoying the new challenge that Trust represents.” However, the manager finds it difficult to change his mindset when he comes home on weekends, but luckily, he always has the unconditional support of his family in this new challenge.
