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.

Simple Ways to Show Appreciation in the Office

Posted on February 2, 2022 by OfficePlus

Everyone loves to be appreciated, especially for the work they do in the office. Take some time to appreciate your fellow employees with one of these examples!

Hand-written Notes

By living in such a tech-savvy world, we are used to sending and receiving so many emails that it typically is the main resource for sending out a thank-you to someone that deserves it. Odds are, whoever is receiving this thank-you will quickly scan the message then trash it. Try taking the time to write out a nice letter, it shows that you are appreciative enough of this person that you would take the time out to do something nice for them.

Thank you post-it notes in many different languages.

Small Gestures

A small gesture respecting someone’s comfort and convenience can mean a lot. Even taking an employee’s empty cup or paperwork for them can make their day just a little bit better.

Acknowledge Absences

We all know that when employees take a vacation or even a sick day, their work gets added to your to-do list. Instead of getting frustrated about it, take the work happily then when the person returns, let them know how much they were missed and how important their contribution is to the office.

Give it back

Make sure that when you borrow someone’s supplies that you return them as soon as you are done with them. Don’t let the lender feel annoyed and inconvenienced.

Clean it up

On a busy day, it is really tempting to leave your dishes in the break room sink or your files piled on the conference room table. Schedule some time in your day to clean up your mess, it shows that you respect and appreciate the shared spaces in the office.

Offer Public Praise

Look for opportunities to pay small, genuine compliments around the office. Everyone loves to be told that they did a great job or look great and sometimes those are just what a person needs to brighten their day.

Give Second Chances

Everyone makes mistakes, so show people that you trust them to make things right the second time around.

Celebrate Milestones

You don’t need to shower your colleagues with gifts, but just taking the time to go to them and say “congratulations” on their personal and professional milestones can mean a lot to them.

Leave a Lagniappe

A lagniappe is a small, inexpensive gift such as a flower, hand-drawn doodle, or even a post-it note with a smile on it. Small gestures can make a big difference on a hard day.

Source: https://www.inc.com