The holiday season is upon us, and the office is no exception to the festive cheer. But balancing work and holiday spirit can be a challenge.

Setting the Stage for a Merry Office

Creating a festive atmosphere at the workplace can boost morale. Consider tasteful decorations that promote inclusivity, and organize team-building activities with holiday themes. Strengthening workplace relationships can lead to a more joyful office environment.

Managing Workloads and Deadlines

The holiday season often comes with increased workloads. Assess your tasks, prioritize them, and set realistic goals to avoid burnout. Effective time management is crucial to maintain productivity and meet deadlines.

Navigating Office Etiquette

Office parties and gift exchanges are common during the holiday season. Know the do’s and don’ts to ensure your behaviour is appropriate and considerate. Organize gift swaps and choose thoughtful presents for your colleagues.

Staying Healthy and Mindful

Managing stress is vital during this time. Explore mindfulness techniques to cope with work pressure. Don’t forget your health – maintain wellness with office fitness and nutrition tips.

Using the Festive Season for Professional Growth

Year-end gatherings offer excellent networking opportunities. Maximize these events to expand your professional network. Reflect on the past year and set career objectives for the year ahead.

Remote Work Considerations

For remote workers, staying connected during the holidays is essential. Engage in virtual office parties and strike a balance between family and work responsibilities.

Holiday Gifting and Giving Back

Choose the right gifts for your colleagues and consider office charity initiatives. Embrace corporate social responsibility by supporting charitable efforts and giving back to the community.

Remember to embrace the holiday spirit in the office while maintaining professionalism. By following these tips and tricks, you can navigate the festive season with ease, ensuring a joyful and successful experience for yourself and your colleagues. Here’s to a happy and productive holiday season in the workplace!

While working from home has many advantages there are also some downsides to it. Most home office workplaces are not as properly equipped as regular offices – especially when it comes to adjustable desks and chairs. This can result in back aches, neck problems, shoulder soreness and many other issues caused by bad posture. This guide will support you to set up an ergonomic home office with simple tips.

Sitting-Standing Dynamics for a healthier Workplace

Variety is key for a healthy mix during your work day. The ideal share of working positions during the day is 60% sitting, 30% standing and 10% moving.

Standing up for 15 minutes per hour while you work will burn 20,000 more calories per year. This corresponds to 6 full marathons a year and will make you healthier and happier.

More Advantages of Working while Standing are:

•     Less fatigue at work

•     Higher concentration

•     Faster reaction times

•     Saves time resulting in higher productivity

•     Brain performance improves

•     Trains the back and leg muscles to relieve pressure on the spine

•     Decrease in neck tension and back problems

•     Prevention of cardiovascular disease by stimulating the heart and blood circulation

•     Higher motivation and job satisfaction with less absenteeism

Try Active Sitting with the Leitz Ergo Cosy Sit Stand Stool 2 in 1

The Leitz Ergo Sit Stand Stool allows the flexibility to move between sitting and standing while you work, encouraging muscle movement, improving posture and increasing energy levels. You can burn extra calories by swivelling and rocking while you work and the height of the stool height can be easily adjusted. 2 in 1 as you can adjust the height to a perfect sitting height similar to an office chair but also to a perfect standing support height with a significant higher range than other standard stools.

At the beginning of the year The Pilot Pen Company (UK) Ltd were delighted to announce its continued environmental commitment by partnering up with the Marine Conservation Society. The UK’s leading ocean charity fights for cleaner, better-protected seas through working with government, industry and education.

For Pilot, this partnership is part of a real ongoing environmental policy. In 2006, the brand launched its Begreen range of pens which are all made from a minimum of 70% from recycled plastic.

In 2009, it was the turn of B2P (Bottle to Pen) to enter the market, a pen made of recycled bottles. And, in 2021, for the first time in the world, the B2P range went one step further in the “From bottle to pen” logic, as part of its composition, the pens would now include 2.5% plastic waste recovered from oceans and beaches.

Starting in January 2023 The Pilot Pen Company (UK) Ltd committed to making a donation of 5p from the sale of every B2P Gel rollerball and B2P Ecoball across all business channels to the Marine Conservation Society. Both pens are refillable, and made of at least 89% recycled plastic bottles, of which 2.5% are recycled ocean plastic. To date Pilot have donated over £10,000 to the charity.

“We’re proud to be partnering with the Marine Conservation Society with both our B2P pens and Begreen range. We hope the contribution made through sales will go towards aiding the charity in its amazing work, from beach cleans through to their education programmes.” Said Adam Smith, Marketing Manager at Pilot Pen.

At the start of September 2023, a dedicated team from Pilot Pen UK took part in their first collaborative beach clean in Southend-on-Sea. In just one hour, along a 100m stretch of shoreline, they collected 1665 items, with 71% being plastic and polystyrene

85% of the Pilot Begreen writing instruments are refillable and using a refill when the ink runs out, rather than an entire new pen reduces the amount of single-use plastics in daily life.

Refilling a pen also brings a reduction in greenhouse gases as manufacturing an entire pen produces more CO2 than just a refill. Since 2010, Pilot have reduced quantities of virgin plastic by over 80% by using recycled plastic and FSC-certified cardboard and the Begreen range is available with 100% recyclable cardboard packaging.

Our business is about helping your business to operate more efficiently, and the way we do that is changing with every month, most recently we have expanded our offerings beyond traditional office products to include hardware and power tools, providing a one-stop solution for the workplace.

What does that mean for you and how can we further assist your business?

1. Office Renovations and Maintenance

Hardware and power tools are indispensable when it comes to office renovations and maintenance. Whether you need to assemble new furniture, repair a malfunctioning door, or spruce up the office space with a fresh coat of paint, having the right tools readily available is crucial. We can offer a wide range of tools, from screwdrivers and hammers to power drills and paint sprayers, simplifying the process of keeping your workspace in top condition.

2. Furniture Assembly

As businesses grow and evolve, they often acquire new furniture to accommodate their changing needs. From desks and chairs to shelving units and storage cabinets, furniture assembly can be a time-consuming task. Hardware and power tools, such as cordless screwdrivers and electric screwdrivers, significantly expedite this process. Having access to these tools through us streamlines the setup of new workstations and minimises disruptions to your daily operations.

3. Facility Upkeep

Regular facility maintenance is essential for ensuring a safe and comfortable working environment. Hardware supplies and tools play a vital role in addressing maintenance tasks efficiently. For instance, saws and sanders are essential for maintaining wooden surfaces, while plumbing tools help fix leaks and clogs. By sourcing these tools from your trusted office supplier, you can pro-actively manage facility upkeep without the hassle of dealing with multiple suppliers.

4. Office Expansion and Redesign

When a business expands or decides to redesign its office space, it often involves reconfiguring layouts and adding new features. This can be a complex undertaking that requires precision and efficiency. Tools, such as drills and saw, make it easier to create new workstations, install partitions, or modify existing spaces. Partnering with a single supplier ensures you have the tools needed to execute office expansion or redesign projects seamlessly.

5. Emergency Repairs

Unexpected emergencies, such as power outages, plumbing issues, or structural damage, can disrupt office operations. Having a well-equipped toolbox on hand is invaluable in such situations. We offer all the tools and DIY supplies you need to ensure that your business can respond promptly to emergencies, minimising downtime and preventing costly disruptions.

6. Employee Productivity

Providing employees with the tools they need to perform their tasks efficiently is essential for maintaining high productivity levels. From basic office repairs to more specialised tasks, having access to a comprehensive range of tools empowers employees to take ownership of their workspace. This not only enhances productivity but also fosters a sense of responsibility and self-sufficiency among staff members.

7. Cost-Efficiency and Convenience

Sourcing hardware and power tools from your trusted office supplier offers significant cost-efficiency and convenience advantages. Consolidating your procurement process simplifies order management and reduces administrative overhead. Additionally, purchasing from a single source often leads to cost savings through bulk discounts and reduced shipping costs.

A personal workspace with all the perks.

Configure for Comfort

Your monitor position matters. Help prevent neck and eye strain by selecting a monitor stand to maintain a monitor height that fits your personal comfort or choose a monitor arm for more flexibility in screen positioning.

Set the top of the monitor frame at eyebrow level.

The monitor should be about an arm’s length away, or approximately 20” to 35” away.

If using a dual monitor arm, the monitors should be next to each other and angled in a slight outward “V” shape. This positioning helps prevent eye strain and neck strain.

Hands-On Productivity

When you’re more comfortable, you’re more productive, especially when it comes to typing and mousing. Select an adjustable keyboard tray that accurately positions your keyboard for maximum comfort. Choose a mouse pad with wrist support to cushion your wrist and hand as you mouse to prevent wrist strain.

Position the keyboard and mouse closer and lower to your body. The keyboard should be flat or tilted away at a negative slope.

Keep your forearms approximately parallel to the floor with elbows at a 90 to -110° angle.

Your wrists should be straight with hands positioned level or below your elbow.

The Active Home Office

Just as you incorporate movement into the corporate office, you need to stay active in your home office. Use a standing desk in your home office to keep you moving.

Begin by standing for 15 minutes, followed by 45 minutes of sitting.

Gradually increase the time standing. Alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day, but don’t sit or stand for more than 60 minutes at a time.

Add to your activity with a short walk or stretching session.

Maintain a Healthy Personal Workspace

It’s important to keep your home office clean especially during flu outbreaks. Use a HEPA air purifier to consistently and effectively clean the air of viruses, germs, bacteria and other airborne pollutants.

Choose your air purifier based on the square footage of your home office for the best results.

Look for one with an added carbon filter for odours.

For added germ protection look for products with the Microban logo. They provide continuous antimicrobial defence against bacteria for products such as mouse pads and wrist supports.

Remote Work with Sensitive Documents

The risks of identity theft remain even when you work remotely. If you’re managing confidential documents from your home office, be sure to follow your company’s document destruction policy using secure cross cut paper shredders.

For higher security upgrade to microcut paper shredders.

With kids at home, choose a home paper shredder with safety features.

Choose a quiet paper shredder for working in your home office at night.

At Home Document Protection

If you laminate a lot for your business, don’t miss a beat in your laminating workload while working from home. Home laminating machines are compact and portable and provide high quality laminating results while saving space.

Choose a laminator with fast warm up to get laminating done faster.

Make sure you select an entry width that works for the documents you laminate, usually between 9½” to 12 ½”.

Don’t forget the laminating pouches. Choose the right pouch thickness for your projects. 5 mil offers a good mix of durability and flexibility. 3 mil is best for documents with minimal handling. For heavy handling use 7-10 mil.

More Organised, More Productive

A disorganized home office can impact your productivity. Take time to organise the documents you use every day. Bankers Box gives you the flexibility to stack your records in your home office while leaving you room to work.

Choose from plastic or corrugated depending on your storage needs.

Know if you need letter-size or legal-size file storage. Be sure to label file boxes so you can know what records you need at a glance.

Why choose a Foton laminator over your traditional laminator?

Time-saving efficiency

The Foton 30 laminator is designed for high-speed operation, allowing businesses to laminate documents quickly and efficiently. With its fully automated system, it eliminates the need for manual feeding, alignment, and trimming, saving valuable time and streamlining the laminating process. This increased efficiency enables businesses to focus on more important tasks, ultimately improving productivity.

Versatility and flexibility

The Foton 30 laminator is compatible with a wide range of document sizes and thicknesses, making it suitable for various business needs. Whether you need to laminate standard letter-size documents, ID cards, or larger posters, the Foton 30 can handle it all. This versatility ensures that businesses can protect and enhance the durability of their important materials, regardless of their size or format.

Cost-effectiveness

By automating the laminating process, the Foton 30 minimises the amount of wasted materials, such as film and pouches, that are commonly associated with manual laminators. The fully automated system accurately measures and cuts the film, optimizing its usage and reducing costs. Additionally, businesses can eliminate the need for outsourcing lamination services, saving money in the long run.

Enhanced document protection

Lamination provides a protective layer that guards against moisture, dirt, and damage, ensuring that important documents remain intact and legible for longer periods. The Foton 30 laminator uses high-quality film that offers excellent clarity and durability, protecting documents from yellowing, fading, or tearing. This is particularly beneficial for preserving documents that are frequently handled or exposed to harsh environments.

Professional appearance

Laminated documents not only offer protection but also present a professional and polished appearance. The Foton 30 laminator delivers consistent and high-quality results, producing clear, glossy, and wrinkle-free laminated materials. This enhances the visual appeal of documents, making them more visually appealing and conveying a sense of professionalism to clients, customers, and partners.

Eco-friendly features

The Foton 30 laminator incorporates eco-friendly features, such as an auto-shutdown function when not in use for a specified period. This helps reduce energy consumption, contributing to a more sustainable business environment. Furthermore, the Foton 30 utilises recyclable film cartridges, minimising waste and promoting responsible disposal practices.

Easy to use

The Foton 30 laminator is designed with user-friendliness in mind. Its intuitive touch screen interface allows for effortless navigation and operation. The automated system eliminates the need for complex adjustments or settings, making it accessible to all users, regardless of their technical expertise. This simplicity ensures that businesses can integrate the laminator into  workflows without significant training or learning curve.

The GBC Foton 30 laminator offers time-saving efficiency, versatility, cost-effectiveness, document protection, professional appearance, eco-friendly features, and ease of use making it an invaluable tool for any organisation. By investing in the Foton 30 laminator, businesses can streamline their laminating processes, protect important documents, enhance their professional image, and ultimately improve productivity and efficiency.

According to different research, around three quarters of businesses have switched to a hybrid working model as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic, with employees mostly required to come to the office 3-4 days a week. But surprisingly 63% of these respondents claim that their companies have not made any significant changes to their workplaces to adapt it to this new way of working. They have maintained the same setup now that they had pre-pandemic, which means that large parts of the workplace are just sitting idle on the days that employees aren’t in the office.

So, what does the future of the workplace look like? Here are a few office furniture design trends to keep an eye on for 2023:

Flexible modular workspaces

The transient workforce has increased the need for flexible and easily adaptable workspaces. As more people work remotely, there will be a need for more flexible workspace options. And with flexible work environments comes modular furniture with products that can easily be moved around and re-configured to fit the needs of each individual workspace, or that can be expanded or be reduced as your workforce changes.

By definition, modular means a self-contained furniture item that can be combined or interchanged with others like it to create different shapes or designs. In the office, modular furniture can be interchanged and combined to create the layout desired for your team. From mobile tables, to multi-purpose chairs, flexible meeting spaces to mobile screens and whiteboards, all these multi-functional pieces can be used to shape and re-shape the workspace.

Multi-functional design

Creating spaces throughout your office to accommodate the various needs of your team is a modern office design trend that companies should include. When an employee comes into the office, they need the right environment to complete their tasks for the day. Many choose in-office days as a time of collaboration. For some this may mean large, open workspaces. For others, this might look like a meeting booth for project alignment. Other employees come to the office to complete focused work.

Employees in these multi-functional areas don’t have to remain at a certain workstation or location, allowing for greater movement throughout the space and increased utilisation. Ensuring that a workplace design is not just aesthetically pleasing but also entirely practical and useful is crucial to creating enduring spaces. Each and every piece of furniture in your office should have a clear purpose. These spaces will also need to be designed with acoustics in mind so that they can be used for everything from focused work, to small group meetings and large presentations.

The rise of the acoustic hub

Many employees need some privacy to participate in work meetings or video calls because the hybrid office model has been adopted. Depending on the size and requirements of the team, the acoustic hub offers a variety of alternatives. For instance businesses could put up smaller phone booths for single person use or multi-person hubs that can accommodate small groups of people. By using these space-saving ideas, you may create an additional area where employees can work without noise or distractions.

It is increasingly important for employers to be able to create different zones for different types of work and each has a different acoustic requirement. Silen acoustic hubs from Dams are a multiple design-award winning solution and are the most adaptable and sustainable hubs available today. With world-record sound reduction and unbeatable quality, Silen acoustic hubs are the best in the market.

Natural, sustainable elements

Employees want a workplace that is designed well – not only for function but also to be aesthetically pleasing. Sustainability and timeless-design go hand in hand. By selecting sustainable products, businesses can not only extend the lifespan of the workspace, but can also actively contribute to improving the planet. Flexibility is another benefit of a sustainable workplace since it encourages innovation and the search for money-saving and energy-saving solutions.

Simple natural aspects, such as having lots of plants and employing sustainable materials for furniture and architectural components, can greatly enhance a workplace’s timeless appeal. Additionally, a growing trend in many offices is adding artwork, as recent surveys have highlighted that having interesting and visually striking art in the workplace improves their wellbeing. And employee wellbeing is definitely an issue businesses who care about recruitment and retention should be aware of.

Design for employee wellbeing

The workplace is changing, and office design is changing with it. How businesses use their office space has evolved as a result of the advent of hybrid work. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is the value of flexible work settings that encourage collaboration and concentration simultaneously. If employers want to have their teams feel excited about coming to the office, they have to offer something beyond the comfort and convenience they already have at home.

Hybrid work environments provide new ways for employees to collaborate productively, but businesses must intentionally create those opportunities. Gone are the days of traditional, stuffy offices. In their place are flexible workspaces, modular furniture, biophilic design, and connected technology that allows businesses to create an environment that meets the needs of their employees, with a greater focus on improving employee wellbeing and productivity.

“As I sit at my desk, surrounded by stacks of paperwork, the air is thick with the scent of freshly printed documents and the promise of bureaucracy. Oh, how my heart flutters! You see, dear reader, while others might find solace in the warmth of human connection or the excitement of a new promotion, I have found my true calling in a far more tangible and humble domain: office stationery.

Yes, my fellow office dwellers, I am an unabashed lover of pens, paper clips, and post-it notes. You may call it an obsession, but I prefer to think of it as an affair—a tempestuous romance between a jobsworth and the inanimate objects that give my daily existence meaning. For within these filing cabinets lies a treasure trove of office supplies, ready to be cherished and organized in perfect harmony.”

Recently I was introduced to the concept of AI, Artificial Intelligence. To be honest, we could do with some around here because the real stuff is lacking – don’t tell my boss I said that though! I have heard so much about it that I thought I would give it a go to write my regular column in this magazine. Hence the opening two paragraphs. Hence, they do not read anything like I would write, despite the detailed brief I gave to the website for the article. Who is that person?

Yes, it reflects my passion for stationery and best practice in the workplace, but it is all generic, contains no facts and does not reflect my intelligence. For example, would a chatbot share with you the benefit of a P4 security shredder that cuts an A4 sheet into 400 pieces, as opposed to a P2 shredder that would only cut it into 40 pieces. Yeah, are you going to trust a robot with your document security? And for information, if you really want to securely shred highly confidential documents you want to try a P6 shredder that will rip your A4 sheet into a staggering 12,000 pieces. Even the most intelligent criminal (artificial or real) would not be able to piece that little baby back together.

In truth, between you and me, I am a little bit tetchy about AI, it has created a bit of insecurity for me because my job is based on the traditional importance of human experience, knowledge and expertise and the very idea that people will turn to chat bots for their intelligent insight is quite alarming. Peter in Marketing keeps assuring me that there will always be a need for an office supplies expert in our building, even more so now that the company has officially adopted a hybrid working model so it is even more important that I am there to manage the workspace, organise the hot desking rota, ensure stationery orders arrive on the day that the relevant people are in the office and keep the wheels of business turning.

I can give you an example of that. Lois from data archives recently called to order some paperclips, but I wasn’t at my desk so my young assistant – Stephen (I’ll tell you more about him next time) – tried to replicate my knowledge by asking a chat bot what the best paperclips are to use for the job. After a few minutes of tapping away at his keyboard he came back with: “the ‘best’ paperclip ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Each type has its own unique charm and utility. So, embrace the variety, experiment with different options, and let your inner office supply enthusiast shine!”

What a load of twaddle! Lois looked at him like he was some kind of a fool. Artificial intelligence had backfired. Lois just replied: “Can you order me the Zincati ones I had last time. The zinc-plated paper clips that are made from raw wire, which guarantees high elasticity as well as great durability. The zinc plating treatment also protects the paper clip from rust and, at the same time, makes it a very simple and economic product.”

Stationery Lover 1-0 Artificial Intelligence

We spoke to a young office worker about the revolutionary bic rocketbook. Here’s his, erm, ‘lowdown’ on the product…

“Hey there! Let me give you the lowdown on how the Bic Rocketbook can totally level up your workplace game. As a GenZ worker, we’re all about efficiency, sustainability, and tech-savvy solutions, and the Rocketbook checks all those boxes.”

“First off, the Rocketbook is a smart notebook that combines the old-school feel of writing on paper with the futuristic power of the cloud. How cool is that? It’s perfect for jotting down notes, brainstorming ideas, or sketching out killer designs during those team meetings. But here’s the kicker: you can instantly send all your notes to the cloud using the Rocketbook app on your phone! No more wasting time typing up your scribbles or losing important info.”

“One major advantage of the Rocketbook is its eco-friendly nature. We GenZers are all about saving the planet, and the Rocketbook helps us do just that. Instead of using up loads of paper and constantly buying new notebooks, we can reuse the Rocketbook over and over again. All you need is a damp cloth to wipe away your notes and start fresh. It’s like having an infinite notebook that doesn’t harm the environment.”

“But wait, there’s more! The Rocketbook’s cloud integration is a game-changer for collaboration. Say goodbye to the days of frantically searching for that one note you scribbled down ages ago. With the Rocketbook app, you can organize your notes in different folders, sync them with popular cloud platforms like Google Drive or Dropbox, and easily share them with your teammates. Collaboration just got a whole lot smoother, my friend.”

”Let’s not forget the Rocketbook’s smart OCR (Optical Character Recognition) feature. Yep, it’s as fancy as it sounds. When you upload your handwritten notes to the cloud, the OCR technology can convert your writing into searchable text. That means you can easily search for specific keywords or phrases within your notes. It’s like having a personal assistant at your fingertips, helping you find exactly what you need when you need it.”

“Oh, and did I mention the Rocketbook comes with different page templates? You can choose from to-do lists, calendars, project planners, and more. It’s like having a customisable planner that you can tweak to match your workflow and stay on top of your game.”

“In a nutshell, the Bic Rocketbook is a GenZ worker’s dream. It’s the perfect blend of analog and digital, making note-taking and collaboration a breeze. Plus, its eco-friendly approach aligns perfectly with our sustainability goals. So, grab your Rocketbook, unleash your creativity, and conquer the workplace like a boss!”

For many working from home has become the norm, but with many companies now challenging workers to return to the office, is working from home whilst the sun shines outside a good thing, or a potential productivity risk?

One of the most notable advantages of homeworking in the summer is the flexibility. At home you have the freedom to choose your work hours and location (within reason and depending on the type of job), allowing you to take advantage of the beautiful weather and longer days. In some instances, this flexibility enables you to work outdoors, whether it’s on a patio or in a garden, providing a refreshing change of scenery and boosting productivity.

Another popular advantage is the elimination of the daily commute. Commuting during the summer can be particularly challenging due to increased traffic and higher temperatures. By working from home, you can save both time and money that would have been spent on transportation costs. You can also avoid the stress and frustration associated with commuting, contributing to a better work-life balance and improved well-being.

Furthermore, home workers can take advantage of a more relaxed dress code during the summer months. Instead of adhering to a strict office dress policy, you can dress comfortably in lighter and more casual attire, allowing you to stay cool and comfortable while working. This relaxed approach can contribute to a more enjoyable work environment and enhance overall job satisfaction.

On the flip side, there are also some challenges that home workers face during the summer. One notable disadvantage is the potential for distractions. With children on summer break, outdoor activities, and the lure of sunny weather, it can be challenging to maintain focus and productivity. You may need to establish clear boundaries and implement effective time management strategies to minimize distractions and maintain your work performance.

Another potential downside is the lack of social interaction. While working from home provides autonomy and independence, it can also lead to feelings of isolation, particularly during the summer when others may be out enjoying social gatherings and vacations. Home workers may need to make a conscious effort to stay connected with colleagues through virtual meetings or social platforms to foster a sense of belonging and prevent feelings of isolation.

Additionally, the summer season may bring about increased energy costs for home workers. With higher temperatures, you may rely more heavily on air-conditioning, fans, or other cooling systems to maintain a comfortable working environment. This can lead to higher electricity bills, which may offset some of the financial benefits of working from home.

Is working from home a good thing?
The debate rumbles on.