Group Activities For a Slow Day at the Office
We’ve all been there–when the workday is slow, the hours feel like they’re dragging by. If the team is short on work and you’re looking for worthwhile ways to pass the time, group activities can encourage bonding. Team building exercises are especially important if you’re making the shift from managing remote staff, but it can be challenging to find options that are actually fun (and not groan-worthy). Need some inspiration? Here are a few of our favorite ideas that are perfect for diving into during a slow day at the office:
Host a “Hack” Day
When you have the rare opportunity to have all hands on deck, it’s the ideal time to host a “hack” day. Whether you need to complete a company-wide objective such as inventory, catch up on documentation, or simply brainstorm ideas to benefit business operations, it’s great to have multiple people on the job. A hack day allows members of different departments to get to know one another and offer perspectives and insights that otherwise may not have been possible.
Play Board Games
Although it can be tempting to make a slow day productive, sometimes team members just need a break. The past couple of years have been challenging for many, so a chance to kick back and have some lighthearted competition is sure to be appreciated. As an added bonus, playing as a team fosters camaraderie and will have a positive impact on relationships between co-workers.
Go Off-Campus to an Escape Room Challenge
Escape room challenges are one of the most popular team-building exercises and many cities offer them. If you happen to be close to an escape room location, it can be fun to go off campus for a change of pace. These challenges typically cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $30 a person and are limited to about 10 people. If your group is interested in this type of game but there’s not a physical location in your area, an online option may be a creative way to get everyone working together.
During one of those slow days at the office, consider these group activities for shaking up the routine and helping colleagues strengthen their relationships. Strong teams are critical in the success of a business, which is why it’s important to invest in team building. If you’ve been managing remote staff and are ready to make the transition to an in-person environment, ice breakers will help the team get to know each other. If you’re preparing the office for more traffic, you may want to ensure that the breakroom is well-stocked and ready to serve as the social hub for employees. At EON, our mission is to make the workplace comfortable and efficient. From breakroom essentials to office supplies and beyond, we’ve got it all and are happy to answer any questions you may have.
The Importance of Branded Promotional Products
In our increasingly digital world, it can be easy to overlook the importance of branded promotional products. Although online advertising is important, tangible branded products can play a critical role in the success of your company. If you’re interested in adding promotional items to your marketing campaign, explore the benefits outlined below. When you’re ready to place an order or have any questions, our team at the EON office is here to help.
Cost-Effective Marketing
Running a comprehensive marketing campaign is often expensive. However, branded promotional products are consistently regarded as one of the most cost-effective forms of advertising. Studies show that consumers are more likely to remember company names after using branded products, and color is especially influential in improving recall. Since promotional items are produced on a large scale, providers are often able to offer large discounts for purchasers. The result is a low cost but highly effective marketing strategy.
Boost Customer Loyalty
Customer loyalty is imperative to the strength and longevity of your brand. Whether you’re preparing to launch your company or have been in business for decades, it’s crucial to focus on relationship building. When customers associate your business with high-quality products, they’ll be more likely to purchase your products or services in the future. Although branded items are often free to consumers, it’s vital to invest in quality construction. That branded coffee cup, for example, should be one that your customers look forward to using.
Complement Your Marketing Strategy
One of the best aspects of including branded promotional products in your marketing campaign is the ability to complement other facets of your strategy. If you have an active social media presence and are looking for ways to drive engagement, consider hosting a giveaway. Treating customers to branded apparel or other useful items is a great way to tie in promotional products with your digital marketing game plan.
Boost Your Brand with EON Office's Promotional Products
The art of effective marketing is often a complex endeavor, and incorporating branded products into the mix can be cost-effective and results-generating. If you’d like to place an order for promotional products, our EON Office team can help. From tote bags and drinkware to tech products and embroidered apparel, we offer a wide array of choices for spreading the word about your brand. If you have any questions about available options or our process, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to help you find what you’re looking for and make the ordering process as simple as possible.
Virtual Tools are Here to Stay
In the earliest weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, workplaces shuttered their doors, and remote work became the norm overnight. Although there were initial growing pains, many employees agree that virtual tools have been instrumental in working remotely effectively. Even as team members return to the office in greater numbers, there are several tech trends that have become ingrained into our work culture. Here, we share a few of the top virtual tools that are here to stay.
Virtual Meeting Software
Whether you love or hate virtual meetings, they’re here for the long haul. Zoom, Google Hangouts, Slack video conferencing, and many more options have grown exponentially since the onset of the pandemic. Video chats have been widely utilized across a variety of sectors, from education to healthcare and beyond.
Remote Document Signing
Although companies such as DocuSign have been around for a while, remote document signing has become the norm since 2020. The ability to securely review, sign, and save documents helps streamline and accelerate business transactions, so expect more written agreements to go virtual in the coming years.
Virtual Whiteboards
Whiteboards are great for collaboration, but as more companies adopt a flexible or hybrid policy, not all employees will be in the office at the same time. This is why virtual whiteboards have become such a necessity in the modern workplace. Tools such as MURAL and Conceptboard make it possible for team members to take notes, make comments, and attach files for easy group work. Many virtual whiteboards are accessible via desktop and mobile devices so employees can contribute from any location.
Project Management Software
Adapting to the remote environment can be challenging, but project management software has made it easier than ever to manage remote employees. Tools such as Trello, Asana, and Wrike are popular across many industries for their functionality and organizational features. Whether your business is implementing permanent work-from-home policies, a flexible approach, or returning to the office full-time, project management software has proven helpful for keeping teams on the same page.
The coronavirus pandemic brought significant changes to the way we work. Although the tools highlighted here aren’t new, they’re now more prevalent than ever before. Working remotely effectively takes some balance, and you’ll need both digital and conventional tools and supplies to help your team succeed. Regardless of what your approach to work culture looks like, we’re here to help you find everything you need for your traditional or home office. From a plethora of office supplies to breakroom refreshments, we’ve got it all and would love to answer any questions you may have. To learn more about how we can improve the office experience, please reach out to our team.
Spring Cleaning Checklist For the Office
Feeling motivated to tackle spring cleaning in the office this year? There are many compelling reasons to reorganize and declutter, including the potential for improved mood and productivity. If you’re ready to get started but the task feels overwhelming, consider the tips we share here. Breaking down spring cleaning into manageable steps will help you get the job done. With this checklist and EON supplies by your side, spring cleaning will be a breeze.
Start With Decluttering
If tidying up the workplace feels like a daunting endeavor, start by decluttering each room. Deep cleaning and organizing will be much simpler when unnecessary items are no longer crowding the space. As you begin the decluttering process, be sure to have plenty of bins on hand. Whether you’re working with teammates or solo, bins will make it easy to sort items into categories such as toss, take home, or donate.
Digitize Files
Digitizing and decluttering go hand in hand. Once you’ve had a chance to sort through papers and toss or shred what’s no longer needed, you can start scanning and uploading important files. Anything that can be stored in the cloud can help the office reduce paper clutter and make it easier for team members to find what they need in one centralized location.
Wipe Down Surfaces
Even though the cold and flu season has passed, wiping down surfaces is still important. Surfaces such as keyboards and light switches house thousands of germs, so be sure to sanitize on a regular basis. When surfaces are freshly cleared, it’s the perfect time to give them a thorough wipe down with your favorite all-purpose or homemade solution.
Reorganize the Office Supply Room
When you’re focusing on an office-wide spring cleaning session, don’t overlook the importance of organization. Commonly used spaces such as the office supply room tend to get a little disorganized throughout the year, so it’s ideal to make time to sort and label occasionally. Clearly labeled bins and other organizational products will make a world of difference in keeping the supply room neat and tidy. While you’re sorting through supplies, be sure to take inventory so you can place an order to avoid running low on critical products.
Clean Out the Fridge
In a busy office environment, it’s easy to forget about personal food stored in the breakroom fridge. Before you tackle the ice box, consider sending out a fridge-cleaning notice. This serves as a friendly reminder for them to clear out any food or beverages that may have been forgotten. After removing all containers from the fridge, give the surfaces a wipe down with a gentle cleanser.
When the office is clean and free from clutter, employees are more likely to feel at ease and able to put in their best work. It can be challenging to find time for cleaning, but springtime is great for organizing a cleaning session. Organization goes a long way in making sure that the workplace stays tidy, and EON supplies will help you get the job done. We offer a wide array of high-quality products, from cleaning and organizational supplies to breakroom refreshments. If you’d like to learn more about how we can help, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Classroom Organization Tips
Educators of all levels continue to adapt to the many changes that COVID-19 has brought. If you haven’t had time to take a breath but a cluttered classroom is stressing you out, organization may be a key component in helping you de-stress. Need some organizational inspiration? Here are a few of our favorite tips. With a few go-to products from our office supply catalog, you’ll be well on your way to creating an inviting learning environment.
Start With Your Desk
When you’re ready to jump into classroom organization, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure where to start. Your desk is the perfect starting point, as you’ll be spending a lot of time there regardless of which class (or classes) you teach. For a spotless desk that’s approachable, you’ll need to ensure that there’s a home for everything. Organizational accessories will help you keep your space tidy, so consider purchasing the essentials. The must-haves include a letter tray (stackable if needed), small compartments for housing paper clips and push pins, and pencil cups.
Stock Up on Bins
Never underestimate the utility of storage bins when it comes to classroom organization. Bins are great for just about everything, so you’ll need plenty of them in all sizes. You can store everything from art supplies to student folders, but be sure to invest in a quality label maker as well. Labeling your bins will make it easy for students and substitutes to find everything they need at a moment’s notice.
Make Your Own Passes
Tired of paper passes crowding your desk drawers? Make a set of reusable passes and display them by your desk or on a corkboard. You’ll just need colorful paper, a laminator, a hole punch, and lanyards. Not only are handmade passes better for the environment since they reduce paper wastage, but they’re more fun for students to use.
Place a Cart by the Door
Life in a busy classroom often means that it’s easy for assignments, notes, and other miscellaneous documents to get lost. If you want to minimize confusion for yourself and students, placing a cart by the door is an excellent solution. Use labeled letter trays or clear bins to streamline the process of turning in homework, exams, absent or early release notes, and any other papers that need to be organized.
If a cluttered classroom is stressing you out, organization is key to calming the chaos. Just a few simple products from our office supply catalog can get your classroom on track. When you’re ready to transform your space into a safe haven for learning, reach out to our friendly customer service team. We’d love to help you find exactly what you need to make your classroom an enjoyable place for all.
Personal Protective Equipment Expectations For 2022 and Beyond
As your office begins to make plans for 2022 and beyond, it’s time to explore what expectations will be like for personal protective equipment (PPE) in the coming months. Even with upwards of 60% of the country fully vaccinated, PPE in the workplace will still play an important role in many industries. Not sure what’s right for your office? Here, we share insight into how to help your employees stay safe:
Masks to Be Expected in Common Areas
The approach your office takes when it comes to donning masks may depend upon the layout of the building (as well as state and local guidelines). Employees with the privacy of individual offices often choose to remain mask-free when in their own space. Since masks (especially N95s and KN95s) are so effective at preventing the travel of respiratory droplets, your office may want to encourage the use of masks in gathering areas. If possible, keep masks stocked at all times in case team members forget their PPE at home.
Hand Sanitizing Stations
Hand sanitizer is one of the most practical and effective forms of PPE in the workplace. Brands containing at least 60% alcohol are highly effective at neutralizing at least 99% of germs that cause illness. Installing hand sanitizing stations in common areas and providing bottles of alcohol-based hand sanitizer at each desk are great steps for office administration teams to take.
Dividers and Sneeze Guards
Regardless of the mask policy that your office implements, dividers and sneeze guards will prove helpful in reducing the transfer of droplets. Dividers and sneeze guards are simple to install, and many are portable for easy transfer. This type of PPE is especially useful in open floor plan offices or in instances when employees may not have access to closed off workspaces. When used with a commercial-grade air filter, dividers have the potential to optimize air quality and keep team members and visitors as safe as possible.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues its pattern of staggering surges followed by periods of waning cases. If your team is preparing to return to the office, consider stocking up on PPE in the workplace. At EON, we have everything you need to protect your employees. We offer face masks and face shields, hand sanitizer and wipes, commercial-grade air filters, dividers, and so much more. Ready to learn more about how we can help? Please contact our customer service team with any questions you may have. We’d love to help you find what you need.