Cool Office Accessories to Try in 2021
Whether you’re continuing to work from home or planning to transition back into the office, you’ll need to be well-stocked with cool office accessories to get the job done. If you’re on the search for ways to boost your productivity and keep your space comfortable and clean, these office accessories may be found online.
OttLite Sanitizing Desk Lamp
Devices such as laptops and phones that we use on a daily basis harbor an astounding number of germs. It can be challenging to thoroughly clean these electronics, but OttLite sanitizing desk lamps utilize SpectraClean technology to disinfect with light. Simply place your phone or keyboard in the path of the light, and you’ll benefit from an effortlessly sanitized workspace.
Lorell 3-in-1 Air Purifier/Mood Light Desk Lamp
If you struggle with allergies or are simply trying to promote optimal health, an air purifier should be part of your work environment. The Lorell 3-in-1 Air Purifier/Mood Light Desk Lamp is equipped with a HEPA filter to capture particles including dust mites, mold spores, and more. It also has two USB charging ports so you can conveniently charge your devices as you work, and three lighting modes to accommodate your preferences.
Allsop Redmond Adjustable Laptop Stand
When your laptop is on a surface that’s not adjusted to your needs, it may lead to strain on your neck. The Allsop Redmond Adjustable Laptop Stand accommodates up to 17-inch laptops and is highly adjustable so you can find the perfect angle for viewing. This ergonomic product may help you work more comfortably, which in turn often boosts productivity.
Lorell Dry Erase Notepad
If you prefer to take notes by hand, you’ll love the Lorell Dry Erase Notepad. This dry erase pad allows you to easily make notes and display them in a prominent place by your monitor. Plus, it comes with hideaway storage space where you can stash dry erase markers and other office must-haves.
Fellowes Office Suites Mesh Back Support
Looking to take your comfort to the next level? You may enjoy the exceptional airflow and ergonomic support provided by the Fellowes Office Suites Mesh Back Support. This mesh insert attaches to any chair to offer tension-reducing support to the lumbar curve of your back.
When you need to elevate your office environment, the accessories shared here won’t disappoint. The right supplies and accessories will enhance your workspace and help you deliver your best work all year round. Regardless of the supplies you need for your office, we’ve got you covered. We offer a broad array of office supplies and technology solutions to meet the needs of any workplace. When you’re ready to learn more about how to order office supplies online from us, please contact our team to learn more.
Creating Realistic Workplace Resolutions
If you’re among the many who are ready for a fresh start in 2021, creating a new set of workplace resolutions may be on your to-do list. Whether you’re aiming to advance your career or simply hoping to create a better work/life balance, the tips we share here are practical resolutions that may help you achieve your goals. From remote work tips to attaining a healthy work environment, the options below are applicable to most situations:
Reduce Distractions
Whether you’re working from home or transitioning back into your typical routine at the office, reducing distractions will help you boost your productivity. Distractions are common regardless of your work environment, but there are several strategies that may improve your focus. The devices that we rely on are also built-in distractions, since it’s so tempting to check social media or do a little online shopping during work hours. To cut down on time wastage, consider setting a timer and allowing yourself just one 5 to 10-minute browsing break for every two hours of work you put in.
Set Boundaries
Americans are experiencing burnout at an unprecedented level. The pandemic and historic events that we’re living through have caused stress levels to rise exponentially among employed individuals. According to a survey of 7,000 professionals, 27% reported feeling burnt out due to no separation between work and home life, while 21% cited unmanageable workloads and 19% had job security concerns. If you’re among the millions feeling burnt out, now is a great time to set reasonable boundaries to improve your overall wellbeing. It can be hard to say “no” when you take pride in your work and are a valuable part of the team, but it’s important to recognize your limits and be honest when you need help.
Nourish Your Body
When you’re caught up in a project, ignoring your body’s signal for a refuel can happen frequently. By pausing your work for a healthy snack (preferably 3-4 hours after lunch), you’ll regulate blood sugar and give your brain the boost it needs to power through the rest of your day. If possible, avoid sugary or processed foods and opt for choices like half an avocado with whole grain crackers or high-protein yogurt with a handful of berries.
If you’re committed to making 2021 a better year, making changes to your work routine may help you supercharge your productivity while also improving your wellbeing. In addition to implementing these resolutions and remote work tips, you’ll need the supplies that are necessary to help you stay organized and perform your best. When you’re looking for a cost-effective and convenient solution for all your office needs, our team is here to help. We offer a host of equipment, supplies, and technology to keep your home or traditional office well-stocked all year round. To learn more about our products and services, please contact our team.
Tips for a Low-Stress Remote Learning Experience
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause widespread concerns, remote learning has become commonplace in many areas of the country. Parents, caregivers, and teachers are often under significant pressure as they help students navigate these changes (and adapt themselves). If you’re a parent or guardian hoping to help your students succeed with virtual learning, being equipped with all the homeschooling supplies you need is a must. Here, we share tips to help your household continue to adjust to remote learning.
Find Ways to Reduce Distractions
Learning from the comfort of home can be challenging regardless of your child’s unique personality traits. When students are surrounded by their favorite toys or devices, it can be challenging to focus on learning. Although it may not be possible to create a distraction-free environment while working from home, you can help reduce them by offering noise-canceling headphones or blocking time-wasting sites during school hours.
Utilize Free Resources
Remote learning may reduce opportunities for one-on-one tutoring with your child’s teacher. If your student needs a little extra support to master certain subjects, there are many free resources available to try. Khan Academy Kids has free programs available for elementary math and science, while CommonLit offers support for middle school level ELA and social studies. To explore more complimentary resources, please visit this site.
Make a Checklist Each Day
It’s no surprise that many caregivers are struggling to balance the demands of remote learning with other daily tasks. Managing remote learners of any age can be an unexpected challenge, especially when you’re working outside the home or juggling other responsibilities. To reduce stress for both you and your student, consider making a daily checklist of tasks that must be accomplished. This will help you and your student to have a clear understanding of each day’s priorities and expectations. Setting aside time after the school day to make a checklist may seem like a hassle, but it often saves a lot of stress for all involved.
Although vaccines have been approved by the FDA, the pandemic is expected to continue well into 2021. Remote learning may become a normal part of life, so exploring the tips mentioned here may help your household navigate the challenges of virtual schooling. In addition to setting a schedule and reducing distractions, ensuring that your child has essential homeschooling supplies is a critical component of staying organized for a successful school year. We offer a host of must-have supplies for both remote learning and educational facilities, and we’re happy to help you find exactly what your students need. To learn more about our educational products, please contact our team.
The Future of Meetings and Staff Socials
Although the COVID-19 pandemic won’t last forever, staff meetings and socials may look different for the foreseeable future. Even as the vaccine is rolling out, it’s likely that many workplaces will continue to take precautions to protect employees from COVID-19 and other transmissible diseases. Whether your company has adapted to managing remote workers and plans to continue or make the transition back into the office, here are some new trends that you can expect to see:
Virtual Meetings Are Here to Stay
Whether you love or hate video conference calls, they will be a mainstay. Although it’s probably safe to say that the frequency of video calls will slowly decline as the virus wanes, don’t expect them to become a rarity. Even when you’re back in the office, video calls make it possible to safely social distance while allowing teams from every corner of the globe to converge for important discussions. Since video chat has become such a crucial feature of our time, expect improvements in the software to continue.
Smaller In-Person Meetings
Packed conference rooms are largely expected to be a thing of the past. When in-person meetings are necessary, they’ll probably be much smaller and held in a room where there’s plenty of space to socially distance. When larger meetings are necessary, some companies may seek creative solutions such as outdoor meeting areas.
Socialization May Be Remote or Outdoors
Whether companies are operating in a remote or in-person setting, socialization between staff is an important component in building strong teams. Many workplaces have found that virtual team building is an effective strategy for helping the team bond, and this technique may stick around in the future. For companies moving back to a traditional, in-person setting, staff parties and socialization opportunities may move outside. If people can keep their distance while socializing with others in an open area, it may help reduce the spread of viruses.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in the workplace. Many offices have been closed since March and have come to prefer managing remote workers. Others have already transitioned back into the office and have implemented new policies to help keep employees safe. Still, others are planning a hybrid approach, in which employees work from home part-time and go to the office on a staggered schedule. Regardless of how your workplace is adapting, it’s worth keeping in mind that some changes to company culture may be here for the long haul. When you’re in need of essential office supplies, personal protective equipment, technology solutions, or beyond, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.
Tips for Spreading Holiday Cheer in Your Office or While Working Remotely
Whether your company is resuming work in the office or still working remotely (or a combination of both), adding a little holiday cheer will help lift your employees’ spirits. 2020 has been a challenging year for many, and the holidays offer an excellent opportunity to boost morale and enjoy the festivities of the season. Regardless of your current situation, the holiday ideas we share here are applicable for remote work and in-person environments.
Host a Virtual Party
Even introverts may be missing gatherings from days past. Although large gatherings without social distancing still aren’t recommended, a virtual holiday party may be a welcome opportunity for socialization and team bonding. You can keep it as casual as a virtual happy hour, or get creative and host a tacky sweater party complete with prizes.
Deliver Holiday Goodies to Employees’ Homes
Your company may be working remotely, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the opportunity to show your team how valued they are. Sending a box of holiday goodies to their front door is a gesture that’s sure to be appreciated. Something as simple as a festive coffee mug or an assorted box of treats will bring a smile to your team members’ faces this season.
Organize Donations
The holiday season is the perfect time of year to practice gratitude and collaborate on a common goal. Whether you’re working in the office or remotely, organizing a group donation to a charitable cause is an excellent way to bring everyone together as a team. Consider holding a vote on several local charities and organizing a donation collection for the winner.
Send Kudos to Those Who are Working Remotely
Acknowledging others’ contributions is one of the simplest ways to spread cheer in the workplace. If you’re gathering in the office (socially distanced, of course), create a “wall of gratitude” where team members can write words of encouragement and thanks to their colleagues. For those working remotely, starting a chat thread dedicated to sending positivity may help others recognize their value and feel appreciated this season.
Although the holiday season is not what we may have anticipated, it’s still possible to feel festive regardless of where your employees are working. Whether remote work is the way of the future for your company or you’re back to the office, planning a few festivities is a great way to boost team morale. When you’re in need of supplies for the traditional or home office, our team is here to help. We offer a wide array of supplies and technology to improve the workplace experience, so please contact us for a consultation.
Tips to Prepare Your Office For Winter
Winter is quickly approaching, and it’s the perfect time to get a head start on winterizing the office. Preparing the workplace for the changing seasons is always important, but it’s especially crucial this year as we continue to contend with COVID-19 concerns. When your employees need to be on site for work this winter, be sure to stock up on the necessary office safety supplies. Here, we share tips to help you prepare your office for the upcoming season.
Provide Hand Sanitizer, Disinfectants, and PPE
Cold and flu season is in full swing during the fall and winter. Since we’re also dealing with a rise in coronavirus cases across the country, offering hand sanitizer, disinfectant cleaners and wipes, and personal protective equipment is vital. Having extra masks on hand is helpful in case team members forget their mask at home. In addition to placing hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies near each workspace, remind employees to stay home when they are sick to prevent the spread of contagious illnesses.
Arrange for Snow and Ice Removal
When inclement weather occurs, you’ll need to have a plan in place if you’re responsible for maintaining driveways and walkways. Removing snow and ice from sidewalks and the entryway can help prevent falls, so consider reaching out to a professional team for assistance. It’s also helpful to have a salting compound in the building to use as needed.
Inspect the HVAC System
Heaters will be working overtime during the coldest months of the year. To avoid an outage, be sure to have the HVAC system inspected at least once per year. An experienced technician will identify any potential problems and provide maintenance to ensure that the unit works as expected to keep your team members comfortable.
Prioritize Indoor Safety
When snow and ice accumulate outside, you’ll want to prevent falls inside the office. Placing non-slip mats in entryways and other high-traffic areas can help keep everyone who enters your facility safe. Additionally, prioritize indoor safety by having the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors inspected.
The coldest months of the year can pose challenges to the workplace, but a little preparation goes a long way. By implementing the tips shared here, you’ll help provide a comfortable and inviting environment where team members can put in their best work. When you’re ready to prep your office for winter and beyond, our team is here to help you stock up on everything you need. We offer a host of products to help your workplace run smoothly, from office safety supplies to technology products. Interested in learning more about our products and services? Please contact our team for a consultation.