To function efficiently and successfully, every business needs a certain amount of office stationery, which employees should be able to access easily.
And while there may be something slightly old-fashioned about the very notion of stationery, in an age where everything is done digitally, electronic devices aren’t always as efficient as you may have thought. Indeed, research from Tokyo University has shown that brain activity can be stronger when you write using paper and pen. Participants made notes about 25% more quickly by hand than those using electronic devices.
With that in mind, here’s out list of the items no workplace can afford to be without:
- Writing implements
Think standard ballpoints as well as fancier pens, plus a range of pencils in all the more commonly found grades. And if you use whiteboards, you’ll need pens for writing on them. (As well as erasers.) Highlighter pens are also vital.
- Paper
Clearly, this stuff is also important. Have plenty of notepads as well as printer paper – we’ve written previously about the different paper types and what they can be used for. Clearly A4 is the standard size, but you may need others for different tasks.
And, actually, along with paper we’d include envelopes in varied sizes, depending on what you tend to send out. So stock up on these office must-haves. If you use a lot of padded bags, order plenty of these at the same time, too.
- Folders, binders and files
Every workplace needs to streamline the way it organises and stores its paper documents. Folders and files can seriously miminise clutter, so always have enough of these items, from ring binders to box files and presentation folders. Don’t forget also to stock up on plastic document wallets for daily filing.
- Diaries and calendars
These are two more essentials which no workplace should go without. Let your staff keep an eye on what’s coming up, and organise their busy schedules effectively, tracking meetings, appointments or work targets. Alternatively, use diaries as corporate gifts. Wall planners and calendars allow you to keep tabs on staff holidays and where everyone is, which is clearly ideal if your teams are out of the office a lot.
- Printer cartridges
You certainly don’t want to run out of printer cartridges, whether you use inkjet or laser printers. There has, of course, been a lot of talk of the ‘paperless office’ over the years, but there are many situations in which people still need to print their documents. So don’t get caught out – your staff won’t thank you for the resulting frustration if you do.
- Staplers and hole punchers
You no doubt staplers and hole punchers these daily without giving them too much thought, but it can be surprisingly annoying when you don’t have them readily to hand. Again, it’s about organising paperwork so you keep everything together, and know where to find important documents when you need them.
Office stationery from Octopus
At Octopus Office, we have all the office stationery you need. We offer speedy, free delivery of all our high-quality, reasonably priced products across Stockport and Greater Manchester, or collect from our trade counter in Stockport. We aim for local shipping to arrive the same day, and have access to trusted courier partners for next-day delivery across the UK.
Browse our website to learn more, and be in touch if you have any queries about any of our products.