How to Prepare your Office for Spring

Posted on March 24, 2022 by OfficePlus

Spring is finally here! Now, it’s time to celebrate by tossing out all things winter related and recreating your office work space to embrace the warmth of this highly anticipated season. Here are some things you can do in your office to get into the spring spirit!

1. Accessorize

Bring spring inside of your office by adding colour to your office. Even if you work in a grey cubicle, some vibrant pictures and desk accessories could go a long way. Try a nice pastel coloured lamp, a vibrant pencil holder and some bright coloured picture frames to add the perfect spring touch. A little punch of colour can go a long way!

2. Flowers and Plants

Add a little life to your office with potted plants or bright flowers. Nothing says spring like fresh blooms! An office tip: make sure you select flowers that do not release strong scents, in case any of your co-workers are allergic or sensitive. Try tulips, sunflowers or daisies for a scent free arrangement.

3. Spring Clean your Office

This may not be the most fun way to get ready for the spring season, but it will surely pay off! It’s time to clear away all that clutter and get organized. Throw away any documents you no longer need, re organize your documents in categorized files and buy a desk organizer to keep all your office supplies looking tidy. Spring cleaning can be virtual too! Clear off your desktop, organize your computer folders and get rid of any documents you no longer need.

The Power of Writing It Down: 5 Reasons to Put Pen to Paper

Posted on March 17, 2022 by OfficePlus

5 Reasons to Write Things Down

Did you know – Writing on physical paper leads to stronger brain activity? Writing by hand increases brain activity in recall tasks over taking notes on a tablet or smartphone. Additionally, those who write by hand on paper are 25% quicker at note-taking tasks than those who use digital technology. ~ NeuroscienceNews.com

Here are some other reasons putting pen to paper, is still a smart move!

1. The best way to increase the odds of achieving your goals is to write them down.

Research has shown only three out of 10 people write down their goals; and yet that 30 percent has been found to achieve more than the other 70 percent combined.

2. If you write it out in longhand, you’re more likely to remember it.

Studies have found the act of touching pen to paper allows you to recall what you’re writing in a way that touching a keyboard does not.

3. A handwritten sentence holds more permanence than one typed on a screen.

Sometimes we need to read our initial thoughts in order to gain a deeper understanding of the intended result. You can’t hit the backspace button on a notepad; nor can you hit one on life.

4. There are fewer disruptions available when writing on pen and paper.

We all know that when you want to get something done, the first step is avoiding the Internet. When writing longhand, you shut out the temptations of checking social media feeds, sports scores or the latest celebrity gossip.

5. Written lists allow a more tangible way of tracking success.

Fellow list-writers understand there are few things as satisfying as placing a physical checkmark beside an item on a to-do list. Written lists and goals enable you to see and celebrate your progress.

9 Random Acts of Kindness at Work – some ideas to get you started!

Posted on February 14, 2022 by OfficePlus

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:

Make a fresh pot of coffee
Clean the microwave (even if it isn’t your mess)
Hold the door open for the person behind you
Give a compliment
Leave a favourite coffee or soda on a co-worker’s desk
Send a note to the boss describing something spectacular that a colleague has recently done at work
Help an officemate with a difficult or unpleasant task without being asked
Brush ice or snow off coworkers’ cars in the parking lot
Ask a newbie out to lunch
Pass on your favourite books

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/