Must-Haves For the Breakroom
Whether your workplace is still operating under a hybrid schedule or everyone is back at the office full-time, keeping a well-stocked breakroom is a must. The breakroom is the primary gathering place in the office, and an area where team members can recharge their batteries and strengthen relationships. If you’re ready to give the breakroom an upgrade, our office supply catalog has everything you need for keeping this area well-stocked and clean! Here are the top must-haves:
Breakroom Supplies
Many employees make several trips to the breakroom each day. Because it’s such a popular space for chatting, lounging, or searching for snacks, office managers should make an effort to keep essential supplies on hand. Whether your office is large or small, there are a few supplies that most breakrooms need:
- Paper towels
- Paper cups, bowls, and plates
- Beverage sleeves and lids
- Wooden stir sticks
- Resealable sandwich bags
- Facial tissue
- Sponges
- One-gallon storage bags
Breakroom Food
Keeping the breakroom stocked with tasty food and beverages is a must to keep employees happy and healthy. Although you may have already thought about options such as trail mix, cheese sticks, and other energizing snacks, some smaller items are also helpful to have in the common area. These food and beverage options are almost always appreciated:
- Creamer canisters
- Alternative sweeteners, such as Splenda and Truvia
- Hot chocolate and sugar-free hot chocolate
- Regular and sugar-free soft drinks
- Sparkling water
- Salt and pepper shakers
Breakroom Cleaning Supplies
Anyone who’s ever spent time in a breakroom knows how frustrating it is when the gathering space isn’t kept clean. You can increase the odds of team members doing their part to keep the space tidy by ensuring there are cleaning supplies within arms’ reach (and a friendly sign or two never hurt). Be sure to order these essentials and keep an eye on inventory:
- Hand soap
- Dishwashing pods
- Liquid dish soap
- Trash bags
- Windex spray
- Disinfectant wipes
- Pot and pan brush
- Air freshener
- Hand sanitizer
The breakroom is one of the most important aspects of the workplace. It’s where new friendships are made, relaxation is encouraged, and creativity is sparked. If you’re ready to improve this vital space, it starts by keeping the room well-stocked. At EON, we have everything you need and more for a comfortable and functional breakroom. You can find all of the supplies mentioned here in our office supply catalog, and if you have any questions, our friendly customer service team is here to help.
Innovative Classroom Supplies for Interactive Learning
If you’re an educator, you may always be on the lookout for new tools to enhance the learning experience. Evolving technology has made it possible for learners of all styles to thrive, which is great news for teachers and students. If you’d like to find some new tools or innovative office supplies for the new school year, the options we share here are excellent to have in any learning environment:
Digital Drawing Graphics Tablet
Teachers in a virtual or hybrid setting will love a digital drawing graphics tablet. This type of tablet and stylus integrate with your computer so you can display handwritten lessons in real-time. Pro tip: these can be excellent for teaching virtual math, and can also be compatible with Photoshop, Illustrator, and more. If you want to store it securely, check out our selection of tablet stands.
Enhanced Audio
If you’ve noticed that the acoustics in your classroom are lackluster, upgrading the audio is a step that your students will appreciate (especially those who may be hard of hearing). There are many ways to enhance the audio, from mobile microphones to advanced speaker systems and noise-reducing technology. In some settings, providing headphones that can link with a mic may reduce distractions.
Upgraded Projectors
Projectors have been a staple in the classroom for decades–but outdated tech may hinder the learning process. Anyone who’s worked with old-school projectors knows that they’re a hassle to work with, and they lack audio capabilities. Newer models, on the other hand, are intuitive and offer high-resolution images (plus excellent audio).
Interactive Whiteboards
Looking for a whiteboard that promotes collaboration? Interactive whiteboards are the way of the future! If you’re not familiar with digital whiteboards, you may find that this is a tool your classroom can no longer go without. A digital or interactive whiteboard allows users to write directly onto the surface with a stylus or traditional dry erase marker–but instead of losing the work when the board is wiped clean, you can save a digital version. Capabilities vary by product, but some offer screen-sharing or integration with mobile devices.
As technology improves, the applications for the classroom are expanding every day. The tools mentioned here can be excellent for improving classroom accessibility and efficiency, but it’s important not to underestimate the importance of classic office supplies. In addition to the innovative products highlighted above, no classroom is complete without high-quality writing tools, notepads, traditional whiteboards, and more. When you’re ready to stock up on supplies and technology for your classroom, we would love to help! We carry just about everything you need for your class, from traditional supplies to new technology. If you have any questions, please contact our customer service team.
5 Books Everyone On Your Team Should Read
If you want to go beyond office supplies for corporate gifts (such as “welcome to the team” care packages or presents for special occasions), books are an excellent option. Building strong teams and maximizing individual talents is no easy task, but the books highlighted may provide game-changing perspectives and insightful tips for employees. Here are a few titles well worth discussing or gifting your team:
Atomic Habits by James Clear
We all have habits that are hindering us, and that’s why Atomic Habits by James Clear can be immensely helpful for everyone in the workplace. The author is one of the world’s most accomplished experts on habit formation and lends his expertise to help readers create a system that works to break old habits and create new ones.
Think Again by Adam Grant
It’s human nature to become set in our ways, but in our rapidly changing world, the ability to think critically and re-learn when necessary is incredibly important. Think Again by organizational psychologist Adam Grant is a goldmine of insights into how to open your own mind and reach others, as well.
The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
The hallmark of a great leader is their investment in members of their team’s success. If you’re a manager hoping to encourage each person on your team to grow, check out The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks. This book makes an excellent gift for any occasion and outlines a clear framework for moving beyond fear and stretching goals (because they’re achievable!).
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable by Patrick Lencioni is a must-read for all who strive for better teamwork. Unlike the other titles mentioned thus far, this book is written in the parable style. As you may have guessed, the author outlines the five fundamental weaknesses within a team and offers clear, actionable insights for team strengthening.
Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull and Amy Wallace
It happens to the best of us–somewhere along the way of the monotonous daily grind, it’s easy to become uninspired and out of touch with your team. Creativity, Inc. was written by co-founder and longtime president of Pixar Animation Studios, Ed Catmull, along with journalist Amy Wallace. This book features Ed’s thoughts on management and how to bring your team from good to great.
If you’re looking for ways to inspire your team, the books highlighted here won’t disappoint. There are many ways to support your employees, from providing high-quality office supplies and great breakroom snacks to recommending enlightening reading material. When you’re in need of office supplies or technology, EON can help! We offer everything you need for a functional and collaborative workplace, so please contact our customer service team with any questions you may have.
A Few of Our Favorite Eco-Friendly Office Supplies
If your company is interested in implementing more sustainable business practices, purchasing eco-friendly office supplies is a great place to start. Although environmentally-friendly office supplies were once a rarity, the growing demand for this type of product has led to innovation–and plenty of new options. When you’re ready to purchase the supplies you need (that are also a little easier on the planet), we can help! Browse our office supply catalog for the products highlighted here, and so much more:
Recycled Copy Paper
There are many steps you can take to reduce your business’s carbon footprint, such as participating in recycling and cutting down on paper usage. However, most companies find that going completely paperless isn’t possible. For those instances when you can’t avoid using paper, consider going with a recycled option. We offer several different types of recycled copy paper from premium brands, and many contain 30%-100% post-consumer material.
Compostable Paper Cups
Keeping the breakroom well-stocked doesn’t mean that you have to forfeit your environmental goals. Instead of using plastic or styrofoam cups, opt for paper cups made with recycled material. Paper is a solid choice if you have to use disposable cups or plates, because these products are often made with previously used materials (and can be recycled again or composted). If you’re shopping for paper cups for the breakroom, be sure to check out our catalog. For example, World Art Renewable and Compostable Hot Drink Cups are lined with plant-based plastic and certified compostable.
Compostable Trash Bags
Trash bags are a must in the office. Many are made with plastics that aren’t compostable, but you can replace these with 100% compostable versions. We carry several excellent options, including the Stout ASTM-D6400 Compostable Trash Bags. These heavy-duty liners break down in just 10-45 days in commercial compost and are odor and moisture-controlling.
Recycled Folders
If you’re looking for more ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle, we love many of the recycled pocket folders and file folders on the market now. Several of these, such as Smead’s Linen Two-Pocket Folders, are sturdy enough for daily use and are crafted from 40% recycled fiber.
Binders
Need binders for storing important papers? Options such as Samsill Earth’s Choice binders are made with at least 59% bio-based materials, so you can feel good about your purchase. These are PVC and PVE-free, and are also very durable and classically styled with a non-glare finish.
If your goal is to create a more environmentally-friendly office, the supplies you choose for the workplace have a significant impact. Small actions like choosing products that are made with post-consumer materials and are recyclable or compostable add up to make noticeable changes. The supplies highlighted here are just a small selection of the eco-friendly products we offer, so please contact us to learn more about the sustainable options in our office supply catalog.
Wellness in the Workplace: Office Supplies for a Healthy and Happy Team
With an increasing number of U.S. adults reporting symptoms of burnout, managers are on the lookout for ways to promote employee well-being. Although the policies that your company offers to support workers are most important, you can also express appreciation by providing must-have office supplies and accessories. Need some inspiration for what to stock the workplace with or gift to employees? Here we share some of our favorite ideas:
Insulated Water Bottles
Staying hydrated is critical for a number of functions within the body, including temperature regulation, improving cognition, and delivering nutrients to cells. However, chronic dehydration is more common than you may realize. Once you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated, so it’s important to keep sipping water throughout the day. That’s why insulated water bottles make a great welcome gift for new hires or thank you gifts for holidays. We carry several excellent options at EON, including the popular Hydro Flask (and it’s customizable!).
A Well-Stocked Breakroom
Like staying hydrated, access to healthy foods is also a must for wellness. We’ve all had days that turned out to be too hectic to eat breakfast or pack lunch, and a breakroom stocked with the essentials is a lifesaver on these occasions. If you want to take the guesswork out of ordering for the office, we can help. We stock many best-selling food and beverage items, and be sure to ask us about savings on frequently ordered products!
PPE
Although we’re past the days of strict COVID-19 guidelines, you may want to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) in the office for immunocompromised individuals or those who prefer extra protection. PPE goes beyond masks and gloves, and also includes products such as hand sanitizer and plexiglass to prevent droplets from traveling. Regardless of which types of PPE you’re interested in, we have an excellent selection across all categories.
Ergonomic Accessories
Office workers spend most of their day sitting, which can take a toll on muscle and joint health. If you’re looking for ways to help employees stay comfortable and reduce fatigue on the body, consider investing in ergonomic products for workstations. We love adjustable laptop stands and inserts for office chairs! An adjustable laptop stand can work wonders for the neck by eliminating the need for uncomfortable head positioning. A chair insert can provide extra lumbar support to reduce tension in the back and promote optimal air flow (so be sure to look for a mesh version).
Promoting wellness in the workplace is more than just showing appreciation for your team–it can also improve productivity and boost employee retention. There are many ways to encourage well-being, including providing high-quality office supplies like the options highlighted above. If you have any questions about placing an order or would like to learn more about our products and services, please contact our customer service team. We’re looking forward to connecting you with the supplies and services you need to help your company and team members flourish.
Strategies to Reduce Your Office Expenses
Office supply products are an essential part of any business–so it’s no surprise that everyday supplies are a big part of your budget. While products such as printer paper, writing instruments, paper clips, and ink are essential for daily productivity, you may notice that those must-have supplies are making a major dent in your balance sheet. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your office expenses, you’ve come to the right place! We’re the office supply experts, and here, we share some of our best tips for protecting your bank account without sacrificing the essentials:
Work With an Office Supply Partner
Cutting down your expenses starts with finding a reputable office supply partner. At EON, our goal is to connect you with the best products for the best prices. Customer satisfaction is paramount, so our team will always keep you in the loop about special offers and promotions.
Sign Up For Managed Print Services
If your office has several printers on the roster, managed print services can save you time, money, and stress. As if the mental burden of keeping track of printer inventory wasn’t enough, it’s even more headache-inducing to troubleshoot problems that inevitably pop up. With managed print services through EON, your office manager can breathe a sigh of relief (and your company’s balance sheet, too). Our managed print service is an all-in-one solution that boosts productivity and lowers costs by automating inventory needs and providing our customers with technical support.
Conduct a Review of Business Expenses
Even when you’re diligent about managing the office budget, it can be challenging to monitor every penny. You may be surprised to learn how sneaky some expenses can be, so we recommend conducting a review periodically. If you’d like to consult with our team of professionals, we can assist you in identifying problem areas and creating a plan to ensure that you adhere to your office spending target. If desired, we can help you create an approval process for spending, standardize on best-value products, and find savings opportunities.
Whether you’re a new business trying to keep costs as low as possible or are an established company looking to trim unnecessary expenses, EON can help with virtually every aspect of office management. We strive to offer the best office supply products and services to our customers, and we’ll always prioritize your goals. With your budget and preferences in mind, our team can connect you with all the essentials your company needs to thrive. If you’re ready to learn more about how we can help, please contact us for a consultation.