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!
For Your Co-Workers
For Your Family
For Your Friends
For Children
When it comes to working healthy and efficiently, workplace ergonomics doesn’t stop at the office! It should be incorporated into wherever, and however you work…even at home!
To help you work at your best, we’ve partnered with Options Inc. to bring you these ABCD’s of Remote Office Injury Prevention.
Maybe you’re a veteran when it comes to working from home, or maybe you’ve newly started to work from home, either way, you probably could use some tips for helping you get the most out of working from home. To help you, we’ve done the research and compiled our list of the best tips for working from home!
“Don’t underestimate the power of putting on clothes suitable for public viewing. It makes you feel human [and] confident and helps draw the line between being at work and being at home,” says Heather Yurovsky, Muse career coach and the founder of Shatter & Shine.
Entering into your workspace each day will act as a queue for your mind that you’re starting work, and then will also be that queue to help you switch off your mind from work as your leave your workspace. If you need to work in a space that you use after work hours (like a dining room) be sure to pack up your work each evening to make the end of your day decisive. And no matter where your workspace is, make sure you have a good chair, good lighting (with natural light if possible) and a few decorations to help you really enjoy your space.
“The biggest difference between working from home and working in the office is that you are in charge of your environment and have to treat yourself like an employee,” say Heather Yurovsky, Muse career coach and the founder of Shatter & Shine. This means holding yourself accountable, but also recognizing when enough is enough, just as a good manager might. “If you feel yourself extending your work hours because you aren’t doing anything in the evening…tell yourself it’s time to put work away, recharge, and start tomorrow with a fresh mind. The work will be there in the morning.”
Working remotely requires you to overcommunicate. Tell everyone who needs to know about your schedule and availability often. When you finish a project or important task, say so. Overcommunicating doesn’t necessarily mean you have to write an essay to explain your every move, but it does mean repeating yourself at times. Even if it feels like an irrelevant update, still communicate it, more is more in this scenario.
Loneliness and disconnect are common challenges with remote working. Be sure to use any communication tools offered through your company, like instant messaging, to occasionally chat about common interests with your colleagues, much as you would if you were in person. If this isn’t an available tool for you, look for other ways you can connect with colleagues such as joining a conference call a little early to chat with other attendees before the meeting starts, or take the lead on creating a reoccurring “virtual watercooler” meeting where you send an open invitation to any colleagues to join in on short 15-minutes or so casual discussions.
If you work from home, it can be easy to work too long without stopping. Not only does working non-stop make you feel drained, but it also takes a physical toll and could cause muscle and joint problems. Pausing throughout the day boosts energy, focus and motivation, which then allows us to be more productive. It’s recommended to take a 5 to 7-minute break every hour. When taking a break, focus on an activity that allows you to disconnect from your computer mentally and physically. Take a short walk, stretch, go to the kitchen and make a healthy snack, or spend some time with your pet.
We hope this article has given you some new ideas on making the best of your work from home environment. If you’d like some more information on workspace tools to help you work more comfortably while at home, reach out to one of our product experts who would be happy to help give you advice for your specific environment.
As the old saying goes ‘April showers bring May flowers’…and it also brings wet, sloppy floors that can cause tremendous risk for slips and falls that cause serious injury. You may not even realize there are also many other hazards around the office that can be serious risks for a slip or fall. To keep those walking around in your facility safe, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety recommends the following in preventing slip and fall accidents:
If your facility doesn’t already perform regular health & safety checks, we suggest you implement a regular walk-around where the above hazards can be identified before an accident occurs.
Although Air Purifiers seem like a new innovation, they have actually been around for more than 200 years! They started out as protective masks for firefighters and have evolved over the years to highly effective and efficient air filtering devices that remove various types of particles from the air.
So, how do these small machines protect us from potentially dangerous airborne particles?
Air purifiers have very fine sieves that filter particles out of the circulating air. The finer the sieve, the smaller the particles it will trap. High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are the benchmark for air purifier filters, which are guaranteed to trap 99.97% of airborne particles larger than 0.3 microns in size. Microns are the standard unit that is used to measure the size of particles in the air. Each micron is equivalent to 1/25,400 of an inch. The naked eye cannot see anything that is smaller than 10 microns in size, so pollutants like bacteria and viruses cannot be seen.
The more that air passes through a HEPA filter, the cleaner the air will become. The room capacity of a HEPA air purifier will determine whether the air cleaner can handle your needs and/or if you require multiple air purifiers for your space.
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.
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!
Looking to save on office supplies? Check out our OP Brand line of office products –
Our Best Line for Your Bottom Line!
Sources:
Even with all the technology available to us today, surprisingly, effective memo-writing remains an essential skill in interoffice communications. Memos may be delivered via e-mail, but they still should follow the same professional and formatting standards as those printed on paper.
Called memos for short, memorandums are routinely used within an organization to communicate a variety of ideas – from a new sick day policy, to short reports and proposals. Among their many uses, memos confirm conversations, share ideas, instruct employees, and communicate policies. Because memos either request or share important information, they need to be carefully and concisely written so that the message is clear and accurate. A poorly written memo could confuse readers, offend employees, and create a loss of time. Typically, memos are short and communicate a single subject. If you have two subjects to cover, consider writing two separate memos.
Writing a memo is not difficult and does not require much time. Just remember that a memo is in writing, which means it is permanently documented. Your memo represents you and your company; any glaring errors may cast you in a negative light among your peers and subordinates.
The Parts of a Business Memo:
For workers required to wear earplugs on the job, there are many factors that can affect which type they will prefer, or will be required to wear. Depending on these factors, you or your employee may choose to wear reusable earplugs – some benefits are listed below.
Earplugs only work well when they are used properly. See the video below for the proper steps to take when using reusable earplugs.
Looking for earplugs for your facility?
Contact us! We carry many varieties and we can help you select the earplug that is perfect for your application.
You may have seen these futuristic looking devices before, which look like something out of your favourite SciFi movie, but have you ever wondered how they actually work?
Watch the video below to see how these small devices can make a big impact on our connectivity at home or in the office.
Ready to boost your wireless connectivity? Reach out to us and we’ll help guide you as to which WiFi booster would be best for your needs!
Gardens bring joy to many, a sense of accomplishment when having successfully grown a thriving garden that looks welcoming and peaceful. It can also be cause for much frustration when your efforts fall short, and your garden is just not looking so great. Keep these tips in mind when planning your garden and you’ll be sure to have a beautiful garden this summer!
Keep it in sight
Make sure you create your garden in a place you will often see. Out of sight, out of mind applies to gardening too, and you definitely don’t want to forget about tending to your garden!
Watch the sun
Before planting your garden, pay attention to how many hours of sunlight the space you’re considering gets. Many plants require at least 6 hours of sun, such as most edible plants like vegetables, herbs and fruits.
Pick your plants wisely
Before heading out to your local garden centre, do some research to understand the best type of plants for the areas you want to plant, and for where you live. Make sure you can provide enough space for your plants, as some prefer lots of room to grow, or a trellis to climb.
Don’t plant too early
Research when the last average spring frost occurs so that you don’t accidentally kill your newly planted plants. The same goes for identifying your first average fall frost date if you are planning to get your plants harvested or moved indoors before the cold arrives.
Add mulch
Apply a layer of mulch that is 2-3” thick around each plant. This will help prevent weeds by blocking out the sun, and reduce moisture loss through evaporation, so you can water less.
Use your finger
The best way to tell if your plants need watering is to push your finger an inch down into the soil. If your finger is dry, then it’s time to water!
For products to help you start or tend to your garden throughout the year, browse our website or reach out to us and let us know what you’re looking for!
Source: https://www.miraclegro.com/en-ca/library/gardening-basics/10-top-gardening-tips-beginners
Stop combing through the piles of paper on your desk to find that note you left for yourself last week. Gain efficiencies and reduce stress by taking the time to organize your workspace and setup systems to keep your space organized going forward. Here are some tips to get you started!
First, take stock. Create three piles labeled donate, trash and keep. Then, begin organizing the contents of your desk into that space. Leave no item behind. When you’re finished, the desk should be completely emptied into your piles.
Before you decide to keep the item, ask yourself when you used it last and when you’re likely to use it again. You can also apply the well-loved Marie Kondo method: if the item doesn’t give you joy, it belongs in the trash. In other words, if the pen always smudges or gives you a callus, maybe it’s time to treat yourself to a new one.
If it’s an extra stapler that you never use, donating to a colleague or charity goods organization could be the answer. For the trash pile, ask what can be recycled or composted. Many of your old documents can probably go into the compost heap!
Often, we hold on to old documents because they contain sensitive information. If you want to maintain client privacy while shedding redundant documents, head to the shredder. It’ll lighten your load without compromising your business’ integrity.
When’s the last time your desk was bare? Now that your items are sorted into piles, give every surface a good dust and spray.
Before you start returning items to your desk, reconsider your placement. Perhaps it makes sense to use that bottom drawer for shipping supplies and the top drawer for invoices, but you had everything wherever it fit in the past. Make note of opportunities that will make doing your job more seamless.
It’s amazing what a potted plant or picture frame can do. Studies show that personalizing your workspace can have major psychological benefits. So get down with some feng shui or add a pop of your favourite colour. You’ll thank yourself later.
On a daily basis you will see high-visibility safety apparel being worn by people working across various industries – construction, warehouse and transportation to just name a few. It’s hard to miss them wearing florescent colours with reflective striping, and that’s just the point. But have you ever wondered why some will wear orange and others yellow, for example? Or if you’ve been tasked with ordering safety apparel, you may be overwhelmed with which colours you should order.
We know it can be quite confusing, so we’ve turned to the experts and would like to share this fact sheet prepared by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.
The fact sheet will answer all your questions such as:
Still need help deciding which safety apparel you need? Reach out to us and one of our product experts can help!
Barack Obama. Paul McCartney. Oprah Winfrey. Tracy from accounting. These are just a few of the great left-handers that have impacted our lives. And on August 13, we’re paying tribute to them.
After years of struggling with scissors and can-openers, southpaws are getting the recognition and respect they deserve. It’s Left-Handers Day! And to celebrate, we’re sharing a few things that make lefties so special.
Although surge protectors may look like a power strip, don’t be fooled in thinking they offer the same benefits. A power strip adds extra outlet space to power your electronics, whereas a surge protector actually helps protect your electronics from voltage spikes. What causes voltage spikes and are they really that common? Well, events like lightning strikes, power outages, and other grid malfunctions cause voltage spikes, and yes, they happen very frequently.
Now, not all electronics need a surge protector (although there’s no harm if you do choose to use one). Using one on a lamp, for example, isn’t necessary because the only damage a power surge running through a lamp could do is burn out its lightbulb. However, it is crucial to use a surge protector on devices such as laptops and computers as they contain voltage-sensitive components that a power surge could easily damage, and without a surge protector, a power spike or power surge could actually shorten the life of your device, wipe out all of your data, or even completely destroy your system.
Ok, great, so you’ve connected a surge protector to all your critical electronic devices and you’re feeling great that your electronics are safe and protected and now you don’t need to think about it anymore. Well, not quite. Surge protectors do need replacing every couple of years because as they take a power hit, it slowly diminishes its life. Unfortunately, with most surge protectors you can’t tell if it’s providing full protection or not, so it’s best to be proactive and replace it. A good surge protector can last about three to five years (depending on amount/strength of surges).
Ready to start protecting your electronics? We have a variety of surge protectors to suit your various needs!
Source: https://earlybirdelectricians.com/blog/why-surge-protectors-are-needed/
The average business uses 10,000 sheets of paper per year in a copier or printer, that’s a lot of ink being used and cartridges going to landfills! It also accounts for a big portion of businesses’ supplies budgets, up to 80-90% of a businesses’ print budget is spent just on the cartridges alone. For these reasons, it makes sense to consider remanufactured print cartridges. Not only will you help save the planet by reducing the environmental impact by 51%, but you will also reduce your costs by up to 30%!
So, what exactly is a remanufactured print cartridge? Remanufacturers acquire previously used Original Equipment Manufacturer’s (OEM) cartridges and then run them through a vigorous restoration process where they return the cartridge to like-new condition. But is the quality the same, you ask? Yes! The print quality of these cartridges have been 3rd-party tested and have met or exceeded the same results of the OEM cartridge. So, you can have confidence that these cartridges will perform the same, and you won’t notice any difference in the print quality or yield.
Ready to start reducing your environmental footprint AND reduce costs? Send us a list of your printing devices and we’ll provide you a quote for their remanufactured print cartridges!
Source: https://www.cloverimaging.ca/downloads/568519A-Clover-The-Impact-is-Real-White-Paper.pdf
November is National Gratitude Month and we’re kicking off the month by sharing a list of ways which you can express your gratitude in the workplace!
From enhanced mood, improved productivity, stronger relationships and a happier workforce, gratitude plays an important role in any organization’s success. According to a study, employees are 50 percent more successful when leaders show gratitude for their efforts. It’s a win-win. So, here’s some ideas to get your started!
Greet your colleagues when they arrive each morning
This simple gesture shows your colleagues you acknowledge them and helps break down any barriers to communication which is key to any successful relationship.
Say ‘thank you’ often
It’s that simple. And take the time to be specific in telling them why you appreciate them at that particular moment. Too often we equate gratitude with gifts, and what people really want, or need is to hear that they are contributing and are valued.
Surprise your team with lunch, coffee, or another treat
Who doesn’t appreciate free food and surprises?! This 2-in-1 effort goes a long way while not costing a whole lot.
Be respectful of each other’s time
You may be thinking, of course I respect my colleague’s time. But do you tell them? Don’t just assume they know, make sure they know by telling them.
Recognize efforts even when things go wrong
We often know to point out people’s achievements, but don’t forget about doing this also when things don’t go quiet as planned. In any situation, you can always find something that was done well. Acknowledging those efforts will help your colleagues move on and overcome the challenges, as opposed to them focusing on what they did wrong.
Unsolicited gratitude
Sending an unexpected quick message that says something like “Thanks for everything you do!” shows people that you are thinking about them and value their contributions. Unsolicited positive feedback can lift someone’s mood, increase motivation, and build loyalty.
Be there to help when they need it
Being there to help someone when they need you is a good way to show gratitude. This gesture shows them that you are appreciative and dependable, which means you both will grow mutual trust.
Write them a note
It’s simple but effective. It shows that you really do care and appreciate their hard work by taking the time to write a personal note.
Implement a ‘Cheers’ system
Create a company-wide system for colleagues to give praise to each other for all to see. Could be as simple as a bulletin board in the lunchroom, an opportunity at team meetings to “cheers” or a place on your company digital communication platform.
Offer acts of service
Consider expressing thanks by doing something to help out the people you work with. There are many ways to say thanks with an act of service, such as:
Gratitude is a powerful concept. One of the greatest things about expressing gratitude is that it can be contagious. Meaning, a simple ‘thank you’ can change the way employees interact, feel and perform. How do you show gratitude in your workplace? Leave your comments below and share!
Sources:
https://thriveglobal.com/stories/13-simple-ways-of-expressing-gratitude-at-work/
https://www.benefitexpress.info/blog/gratitude-in-the-workplace
https://chopra.com/articles/5-ways-to-show-gratitude-in-your-workplace
At the office, waste cutting equals cost cutting. By reducing the amount of supplies you use or how you use them, you can help the bottom line and feel better about your ecological footprint.
But, where should you start? There are lots of ways to make your workplace into a green office but today, let’s talk about an everyday essential: printer ink. Every office uses it but few use it efficiently.
To get started, try these five ways to save printer ink!
Happy printing!
So you want to update your workspace, or you’re looking to add some collaboration tools to your office. A board for writing down ideas or to-do lists is just what you need! With many choices now available for dry-erase boards, it can be hard to determine which one is right for you. Here, we’ve broken down the differences in all the options available and describe the pros and cons of each to help you narrow down the best option for you.
Whiteboards
First we start with the more traditional, Whiteboards. You may be surprised to learn that not every whiteboard is made equal. Here you have 3 different material options:
Glassboards
Glassboards tend to be more expensive than whiteboards but glassboards are generally longer lasting, more durable and have a premium look within an office environment.
Made with tempered glass, these boards are extremely durable and will not scratch or dent. The smooth glass surface will not leave stains or ghosted writing behind.
Although they are the more expensive option, their longevity and high quality make them a good investment.
Source: https://www.quartet.com/quartet-blog/buyers-guide/the-difference-between-whiteboard-surface-types/
One simple Act of Kindness can really brighten someone’s day! It’s a great tool for the workplace to encourage teamwork as well as employee recognition and retention. Random Acts of Kindness can improve your work atmosphere and boost your motivation. Below are some tips to quickly brighten your colleagues’ workdays.
1. Give Recognition – Employee recognition gifts can help keep team members motivated and let them know that you think they are doing a good job. Some ideas – a gift card to a store or restaurant they like or even a monthly subscription box.
2. Start a Workplace Kindness Calendar – Each week, a different team member can volunteer to bring in breakfast treats, organize a donation drive, or do something else that inspires kindness and community at work. Or, for more ideas, download this calendar from randomactsofkindness.org >> Kindness Calendar
4. Thank You Notes – Giving a thank you note to someone who helped you meet a deadline, showed you how to work through a process, or who is supportive at work is really easy. It’s also great to receive recognition for the work you’ve done! Include a message of positivity, a joke, or an inspiring quote. (Just make sure it’s appropriate for work.)
5. Bring a Little More Positivity into the Workplace – Instead of complaining about traffic or construction, try to say something positive at least once a day when making small talk.
7. Bring in a Slow Cooker of Soup or a Treat for the Office – If you work in an office, you know that people love to eat! Make your coworkers’ day and bring a bit of comfort from home, into the office.
8. Write a Positive LinkedIn Review for Your Coworker – There’s no better way to share your support for those in your industry than sharing it with other professionals on social media.
9. Set out a Candy Dish – Having a stocked candy dish will encourage people to stop by just to say hi and grab a piece of candy.
Some other fun ideas:
Download the Random Acts of Kindness Calendar from http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-at-work here >> CALENDAR
Sources:
https://www.cratejoy.com/box-insider/acts-of-kindness-employee-recognition-ideas/
https://liveandlovework.com/2012/12/21/52-ways-to-show-kindness-at-work/
