The right stationery in a workplace can really take productivity, organisation and even morale to the next level. Although it may seem minimal, stationery actually makes quite an impact on how a workspace looks, feels and ultimately is used. Thoughtful, quality stationery is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Whether you’re preserving traditions with functional stationery, or you’re looking to kit out a workspace with a few pieces that break up the sterility of a desktop, follow these top tips for finding the perfect stationery for you:
Consider the workspace
Take into account the type of environment that you’re working in.
Your Home Office: This is where you are free to be as expressive, individualistic and self-serving as you like! The stationery will be for you to put to use after all. Find items that are true to your style, a specific colour scheme can be a great way to get you excited for work in the morning. Be sure to find stationery that is functional as well as fun, whether you need a simple pen and pad, or a full range of items.
A Creative Space: If your workplace is a creative free for all where ideas are bouncing off the office walls every five minutes, you’ll need a kit that is handy, non-invasive and suitable to the environment. Whiteboards and markers, scissors, colourful pens and paper will be ideal for your creative endeavours. The inventive mind if often kinetically driven, so find exciting colours and textures to ignite the ideas in your team.
The Corporate World: The world of professional offices and businesses leave less room for fun in the stationery department. For a classic office, opt for pieces that are in traditional business colours, black, navy, grey and white. This will coincide with the overall theme of the office and won’t be jarring for the overall space.
Determine the essentials
Once you’ve determined what’s going to be appropriate for your working environment, you can begin to break down the items that you’ll actually be putting to use. It can be very easy to get carried away when purchasing stationery, so begin with the absolute essentials. These are generally:
- Pens and Pencils
- Rubber
- Sharpener
- Highlighters
- Notepad
- Stapler and Staples
- Scissors
- Paper Clips
- USBs
- Tape
- Post-It Notes
A few add-ons that you can consider include:
- Ruler
- Glue
- Label Maker
- Permanent Marker
- Blu-Tack
- Rubber Bands
- Whiteboard, Markers and Eraser
- Envelopes
- Calculator
- Box Cutter
How will you be using your stationery?
To determine your essential stationery, it’s important to consider what you’ll be using every day. Of course, a few added luxuries won’t hurt your workspace, but only make the purchase if you’re sure that they’ll come in handy one day. If there’s one thing a station doesn’t need its more clutter, so keep it streamlined and demure to avoid a stressful and disorganised desk or workplace.
Productivity boosters
When it comes to finding the right items for your work, you can always consider some accessories to make the working day that little bit better. Comforts like a mounted wall clock, tissues, cleaning supplies, a lamp and your favourite office mug will add some joy to your 9-5.
Whether you’re running your operation from your home, or you’re working away in a high-rise building, office stationery will only make your day run smoother. By remembering to be mindful of your surroundings and practising restraint in your order quantity, there’s really no way to go wrong. These top tips will ensure that your office is geared up perfectly, ready for any task that comes your way!
