Celebrating Earth Day: Small Steps for a Greener Office and Home

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As Earth Day approaches, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on our impact on the planet and take steps to minimize our carbon footprint. Whether in the office or at home, there are simple yet effective measures we can implement to contribute to a more sustainable future. Here are some practical tips:

By implementing these small but impactful changes in our office and home environments, we can all play a part in preserving the planet for future generations. Let’s make every day Earth Day by committing to sustainable living practices and fostering a greener, more eco-friendly world.

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


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/

How to Prepare for a Business Trip


Business trips can induce stress in the calmest among us. First, there’s the getting there; travel by plane, train or car can take its toll and leave us exhausted. Then, we adapt to being in a new place, or settle in somewhere familiar. Finally, we have to perform the job we were sent there to do.

Businessman working with laptop while travelling.

The logistics can be taxing, so preparedness is key. Take much of the guess work out of your next business trip with this guide.

How to Prepare for a Business Trip

  1. Sleep essentials. On a long-haul commute, sleep is the difference between arriving refreshed or burnt out. Invest in a neck pillow, an eye mask and earplugs.
  2. Smart luggage. Avoid clunky baggage and, if possible, checked luggage altogether. Who needs a lost suitcase before a big meeting? Travel with a lightweight carry-on for shorter trips to make your commute hassle-free.
  3. Away messages. To avoid any confusion with colleagues and clients, set your voicemail and email away messages before leaving. For urgent matters, always provide an alternate contact in your message.
  4. Will your health insurance cover you in another province or country? Ask your provider or human resources what coverage you’ll need while away.
  5. Portable phone and tablet chargers. Stay connected to your business and home life by keeping fully charged on all your devices, no matter where you are.
  6. Foreign essentials. If you’re visiting another country, research which currency, adapters, phone plans and visas you might need. Nobody likes surprises after a long flight.

Heading to a new country on your next trip? Check out Inc’s complete list of Foreign Business Travel essentials.