Switches are the appropriate choice for connecting multiple devices on a network, as they provide multiple ports to facilitate wired connections. They operate on the data link layer (Layer 2) and can efficiently manage the traffic between the devices, forwarding data only to the intended recipient, hence reducing network congestion. \n\nSwitches come in managed and unmanaged versions. Managed switches offer more control with features like VLAN support, network traffic monitoring, and the ability to configure port settings, while unmanaged switches are simpler plug-and-play devices without these features. Since the business's priority is to minimize costs and because the new employees merely need network connectivity without advanced network management features, an unmanaged switch might suffice for their needs.