Everyone loves to be appreciated, especially for the work they do in the office. Take some time to appreciate your fellow employees with one of these examples!

Hand-written Notes

By living in such a tech-savvy world, we are used to sending and receiving so many emails that it typically is the main resource for sending out a thank-you to someone that deserves it. Odds are, whoever is receiving this thank-you will quickly scan the message then trash it. Try taking the time to write out a nice letter, it shows that you are appreciative enough of this person that you would take the time out to do something nice for them.

Small Gestures

A small gesture respecting someone’s comfort and convenience can mean a lot. Even taking an employee’s empty cup or paperwork for them can make their day just a little bit better.

Acknowledge Absences

We all know that when employees take a vacation or even a sick day, their work gets added to your to-do list. Instead of getting frustrated about it, take the work happily then when the person returns, let them know how much they were missed and how important their contribution is to the office.

Give it back

Make sure that when you borrow someone’s supplies that you return them as soon as you are done with them. Don’t let the lender feel annoyed and inconvenienced.

Clean it up

On a busy day, it is really tempting to leave your dishes in the break room sink or your files piled on the conference room table. Schedule some time in your day to clean up your mess, it shows that you respect and appreciate the shared spaces in the office.

Offer Public Praise

Look for opportunities to pay small, genuine compliments around the office. Everyone loves to be told that they did a great job or look great and sometimes those are just what a person needs to brighten their day.

Give Second Chances

Everyone makes mistakes, so show people that you trust them to make things right the second time around.

Celebrate Milestones

You don’t need to shower your colleagues with gifts, but just taking the time to go to them and say “congratulations” on their personal and professional milestones can mean a lot to them.

Leave a Lagniappe

A lagniappe is a small, inexpensive gift such as a flower, hand-drawn doodle, or even a post-it note with a smile on it. Small gestures can make a big difference on a hard day.

Source: https://www.inc.com

Most, if not all, careers involve some computer-based work and require strong typing skills. Accuracy is equally as important as speed. Some schools have stopped teaching typing altogether, assuming students already possess the skills necessary to be successful in the modern workplace. However, without proper training and practice, many individuals resort to hunt-and-peck typing, or looking down at the keyboard to select the right keys one-by-one. 

The preferred typing method is known as touch-type, or typing without looking at the keyboard. This is much more efficient than hunt-and-peck; the average person types at an average of 40 words per minute, but a person who relies on the touch-type method can exceed 75 words per minute, allowing them to complete their work much more quickly and with minimal errors.

Here are some pointers to improve your own typing skills:

1.) Use the correct starting position

When practicing your typing skills, it’s important to use proper hand placement. To start, keep your fingers positioned over the home row keys (left hand over the A, S, D, and F keys, and the right hand over the J, K, L, and ; keys), with your thumbs hovering over the space bar. From here, you can move your fingers slightly to reach neighboring keys. Your hands should always return this starting position.

2.) Don’t look down your hands

Instead of looking down at your hands, focus on your screen. This can be difficult at first, especially if you have not yet mastered the exact placement of the keys. Looking at the screen will help improve your accuracy because you will be able to catch your typos as they occur. You’ll also begin to memorize the placement of the keys, so you’ll be able to type more quickly as you practice.

3.) Maintain good posture

Sitting in an upright position is going to make it easier to type faster. If you are used to slouching in your chair or working from the couch, try moving to a straight-backed chair or working at your desk.

4.) Find a comfortable position for your hands

The wrong hand placement can make it uncomfortable to type for extended periods of time. The space bar of your keyboard should be centered with your body, so that you are not reading your screen or typing from an angle. As you type, rest your elbows on the table and keep your wrists slightly elevated. You should never bend or angle your wrists dramatically.

5.) Practice!

Nothing is mastered overnight, and in order to really improve your typing accuracy and speed, you need to practice every day. There are many websites that offer free typing skills tests and practice, such as Typing Academy, TypingClub and How To Type. Trust that your speed will improve naturally as you become more familiar with the keyboard.

Tips from: https://www.herzing.edu/blog/5-tips-improving-your-typing-speed-accuracy

Your employees are the most important asset of your business and deserve recognition. When employees feel they are recognized, they are engaged, they work with passion and feel a profound connection to their company. An engaged team is a successful team.

A recent survey found that Employee recognition has larger impact on engagement, productivity than salary.

The survey, which polled more than 4,200 employees and more than 1,600 human resources leaders, also found 64 per cent of employees would prefer to receive more meaningful recognition as opposed to more frequent recognition. The top three components of meaningful recognition are something specific an employee did, something they valued and the way they made a difference to the person who sent the recognition.

Half (53 per cent) of employees who believe their work isn’t authentically recognized by their employer are actively looking for a new job, compared to 27 per cent who believe their employer’s recognition is authentic, according to a survey by Gallup Inc. for software company Workhuman.

10 employee rewards and recognition ideas 

Not sure how to best show your staff members that you value them? Here are 10 time-tested employee rewards and recognition ideas – whether you’re remote or in the office.  

1. Celebrate important milestones. Hold a virtual celebration to recognize achievements. Arrange for festive treats to be delivered. 
2. Put it in writing. Acknowledge employees’ great work in an email or certificate. Copy key executives for more exposure. 
3. Host regular check-in meetings. Schedule videoconferences or in-person meetings to encourage face-to-face communication and foster connections. 
4. Highlight successes formally. Cite specific accomplishments during performance reviews, including reinforcing the type of work you want to see. 
5. Support professional development. Offer tuition assistance for professional courses or certifications. Provide reimbursement for industry association memberships, conferences and publications. 
6. Give them a call. Reach out to employees regularly to ask how they are doing and to acknowledge their contributions. 
7. Reward them. Recommend individuals for external and internal accolades and encourage peer nominations. Feature top performers in the company newsletter. 
8. Give the gift of time. Consult with your HR and legal departments for this one, but given the okay, encourage team members to log off early on Friday and offer additional time off or extra vacation days for jobs well done. 
9. Develop new leaders. Ask employees to mentor others. Promote from within when possible, and make sure team members know about career growth opportunities in the company. 
10. Introduce them to management. Invite company executives to join a team meeting or conference call. Arrange for team members to present project results. 

Image source www.roberthalf.ca

Sources: 

https://www.benefitscanada.com/news/bencan/employee-recognition-has-larger-impact-on-engagement-productivity-than-salary-survey/

https://www.roberthalf.ca/en/blog/management-tips/employee-recognition-key-to-managing-an-anywhere-workforce

https://www.benefitscanada.com/news/bencan/employee-recognition-key-to-retaining-talent-survey/

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to spread some cheer in the office than by indulging in delightful warm beverages? Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur, tea enthusiast, or hot chocolate devotee, there’s a festive drink waiting to be discovered. Join us on a journey through some cozy concoctions that will make your office space feel like a winter wonderland.

Peppermint Mocha Latte

Kick off the holiday season with a classic, the Peppermint Mocha Latte. This homemade version allows you to control the intensity of the peppermint and the richness of the chocolate, creating a personalized experience that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.

Ingredients:
1 cup of your choice of milk
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1 cup of coffee or espresso
1/2 candy cane or 1 drop of peppermint extract
Toppings:
Whipped cream, chocolate shavings, crushed candy canes

Instructions:

1. In a microwave safe mug, add milk, cocoa, and sugar. Heat until it just starts to boil.
2. Stir in coffee and candy cane.
3. When candy cane has melted serve with your toppings of choice and enjoy!

Cinnamon Spice Chai Tea

For those who prefer a spiced twist to their warm drinks, the Cinnamon Spice Chai Tea is a perfect choice. The blend of black tea, exotic spices, and a dash of cinnamon creates a comforting and aromatic experience.

Ingredients:
1 cup of milk of your choice
1 black tea bag
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon, or to taste
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1 pinch of ground cloves
1 tablespoon honey

Instructions:

1. Heat milk over medium-high heat, until it just starts to bubble. Add tea bag and wait for it to steep 3-5 minutes.
2. Add in cinnamon, ginger, cloves and honey to and re-heat for 2 minutes.
3. Pour into a mug, add a touch of cinnamon on top and serve!

Gingerbread Hot Chocolate

Combine the best of both worlds with a Gingerbread Hot Chocolate. This delightful fusion of gingerbread spices and velvety hot chocolate is a sweet treat for the taste buds. Discover this festive recipe and bring a bit of holiday magic to your office.

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 cup milk of your choice
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon allspice

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients in a microwave save mug and heat to a warm temperature.
2. Serve with whipped cream!

Eggnog Latte

Embrace the traditional flavours of the season with an Eggnog Latte. The creamy and indulgent blend of espresso and eggnog is a holiday favourite. Try making it at home and savor the festive goodness.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup of milk of your choice
1/2 cup eggnog
1/2 cup coffee or 1 servings of espresso
Whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles

Instructions:

1. Heat the milk and eggnog.
2. Pour half of milk mixture in a mug and the remaining half with coffee. Stir.
3. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle some chocolate sprinkles on top

As the winter chill sets in, these warm holiday beverages are sure to bring joy to your office space. Experiment with different recipes, share the love with your colleagues, and make this holiday season a memorable one. Cheers to good company and even better drinks!

Let’s face it, filing your tax return can feel as exciting as organizing a filing cabinet—necessary, but not exactly thrilling. But just like stocking up on supplies keeps your workspace running smoothly, filing your taxes supports the communities and programs we rely on, like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
So, grab your favourite pen and embrace tax season—it’s all part of keeping our financial house in order!

Looking for supplies to make tax time a little simpler?
Check out our locator to find a Dealer near you!

Wish anyone in your life a Happy Valentine’s Day with these free downloadable eCards. Just click on an image below, save the file and send it in an email, on social media or you can even print them out! Have fun spreading some joy this Valentine’s Day!

Looking for supplies to create your very own cards?

Check out our locator to find a Dealer near you!

What is a private label product?

A private label product is manufactured by a contract or third-party manufacturer and sold under a retailer’s brand name. The retailer specifies everything about the product – what goes in it, how it’s packaged, what the label looks like, etc.

Reasons to Buy Private Label Brands

According to TIME, most consumers “have gotten clued in to the fact that many generic store-brand foods are actually made by the same companies that produce the higher-priced, name-brand stuff,” which “come out of the same factories with the same ingredients…with the only difference being the label.” The author goes on to say that the result of switching from a name brand to a private label is “an easy way to save 30% or so, without sacrificing quality.”

Lower cost and similar quality to name brands, are two reasons to make the switch to private label branded products.

Private label brands lower costs by outsourcing production and logistics to large national brand manufacturers with excess capacity, or to specialty manufacturers who focus on a limited variety of products, eliminating the need for large capital investment. In addition, marketing costs for a private brands are incremental or nonexistent. This presents a significant cost savings to the retailer, a portion of which is passed along to the consumer in the form of lower prices.

While quality can be defined in many ways, most consumers feel there is little difference in the quality of a private label versus a national brand product. Consumer Reports has conducted blind taste tests between store brand and national brand products to poll consumers about the quality of store brands. They reported that more than 80% of those polled (about 24,000) indicated the private label brand to be the same or better than the national brand. Consumers are always looking for ways to save money, even on necessities. Using private label brands is a good place to start!

Find our quality-smart and price-friendly
Basics® Brand products exclusively at these locations.

Sources:

https://www.shopify.ca/encyclopedia/private-label#:~:text=Retailers%20interested%20in%20filling%20their,over%20product%20ingredients%20and%20quality.

https://www.moneycrashers.com/private-label-store-brands/

As we navigate the evolving modern work environments, through hybrid and remote teams, the significance of Employee Appreciation Day takes on a new depth of meaning. In the world, where virtual connections often replace face-to-face interactions and the boundaries between work and home blur, it’s essential for organizations to adapt when celebrating their employees’ contributions.

Here are ten ways to foster a sense of belonging and reinforce a culture of gratitude and recognition!

Virtual Coffee Breaks: Schedule a coffee break or lunch session where teams can connect over video calls. This provides time for social interaction and informal conversations and is a great way to foster a sense of belonging. Consider sending a digital gift card for coffee or food delivery to give the event a little extra special experience.

Personalized Thank you Notes: Send thank you notes to each team member, highlight their contributions and express gratitude for their efforts. This simple activity can boost morale and demonstrates genuine appreciation.

Flexible Work Hours: Offering flexibility in work hours or “flex days” where employees can choose their schedule to accommodate personal commitments or preferences. This is a true sign of trust in your employees’ ability to manage their workloads effectively and promotes that work-life balance.

Professional Development Opportunities: Invest in your employees’ growth and skills by providing opportunities for online courses, workshops, and certifications relevant to their role. Supporting learning demonstrates a commitment to your employees’ long-term success.

In-person/Virtual Team Building: Strengthen bonds and encourage collaboration among team members. Cooking classes and Escape Rooms are fun ways to get everyone working together. Search the web to locate online trivia and virtual escape rooms for those remote employees.

Wellness Resources: Offer resources such as virtual fitness classes, meditation app subscriptions or mental health resources to support employees’ overall well-being. Supporting your team’s health can improve productivity and engagement.

Recognition Platforms: Implement a recognition platform for team members to acknowledge and celebrate each other’s achievements.

Surprise Care Packages: Send a little package filled with goodies like snacks, branded merchandise, or self-care items. This unexpected gesture shows thoughtfulness and makes employees feel valued even from a distance.

Virtual Celebrations: Host a virtual happy hour to commemorate milestones, achievements, or Employee Appreciation Day itself. Add in some fun activities or themes to make the event memorable and fun!

Leadership Check-ins: Schedule one-on-one check-ins between leaders and team members to provide personalized feedback, support, and mentorship. This is an opportunity for employees to voice their concerns, share ideas and receive guidance strengthening the bond between yourself and your team.

In this digital age, let’s uplift and motivate our team regardless of their physical location and reaffirm the importance of acknowledging their efforts!

How do you appreciate your employees? Let us know in the comments.

Looking to enhance your workplace environment further? Explore our Dealer Locator to find a trusted partner near you.

In a world buzzing with deadlines and responsibilities, it’s easy to forget the joy of simply making something with your own two hands. But fear not, because today we’re diving headfirst into the colorful realm of adult creativity. From workplace brainstorming sessions to the soothing art of paper flower crafting, we’ve got it all covered. So, grab your tools and let’s embark on a journey to rediscover the magic of making!

Who says creativity has no place in the workplace? Whether you’re a corporate guru or a freelance whiz, infusing creativity into your professional life can unlock innovative solutions and spark new ideas.

1. Brainstorming Sessions: Swap out the stuffy boardroom for a cozy brainstorming nook. Encourage team members to think freely, jot down wild ideas, and build upon each other’s creativity. Who knows? Your next big breakthrough could come from a doodle on a napkin!
2. Design Thinking Workshops: Embrace the power of design thinking to tackle complex problems with a fresh perspective. By empathizing, defining, ideating, prototyping, and testing, you’ll uncover innovative solutions that defy convention.
3. Creative Challenges: Inject some fun into the work week with creative challenges tailored to your team’s interests. From photography contests to impromptu storytelling sessions, these activities foster camaraderie and inspire out-of-the-box thinking.

Paper Flower Crafting: Blooms That Never Wilt

Now, let’s switch gears and delve into the delightful world of paper flower crafting. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a newbie seeking a therapeutic pastime, making paper flowers is a surefire way to unleash your creativity and add a touch of whimsy to any space. We found this craft online at DIY Candy

Materials Needed:

• Colored Paper
• Scissors
• Stapler
• Double-sided Tape
• Yarn (Optional)
• Hole Punch (Optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Gather two sheets of the same colored paper.
Step 2: Fold each paper in half once, then in half again, and repeat the process one more time until you have a total of three folds. Be sure to repeat the same number of folds for each sheet.
Step 3: Unfold your sheets of paper.
Step 4: Now accordion fold each origami sheet. Use your creases as guidelines.
Step 5: Fold both folded origami sheets in half. Then, staple them together in the middle.
Step 6: Fold your accordion folded origami in half and trim the ends. (You can cut slants or curves – each will result in different looking petals.)
Step 7: Grab your double-sided tape and begin taping the folded origami paper together. Your flower will soon begin taking shape!
Step 8: Cut out some circles and tape them to the middle of your flowers.
That’s it! Tape them to the wall, or hole punch them and string them up to make a lovely spring garland.

Pro Tip: Experiment with different paper sizes and colors to create a vibrant bouquet of paper blooms. You can also add embellishments like glitter or sequins for an extra dash of pizzazz!

Whether you’re brainstorming in the boardroom or crafting paper flowers in the comfort of your home, creativity knows no bounds. So, go ahead—doodle, daydream, and dare to create. After all, the world is your canvas, and your imagination is the only limit. Cheers to unleashing your inner artist and embracing the joy of making!

Need supplies to make this happen, check out our Dealer Locator – we can help!

As Earth Day approaches, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on our impact on the planet and take steps to minimize our carbon footprint. Whether in the office or at home, there are simple yet effective measures we can implement to contribute to a more sustainable future. Here are some practical tips:

By implementing these small but impactful changes in our office and home environments, we can all play a part in preserving the planet for future generations. Let’s make every day Earth Day by committing to sustainable living practices and fostering a greener, more eco-friendly world.

Discover an extensive range of recycled products available through our network of dealers across Canada, including pens, paper, self-adhesive notes, and much more. Locate a dealer near you!