Workstation Accessories Tips
Read these 10 Workstation Accessories Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Office Supply tips and hundreds of other topics.
Calendars are a Must for Workstation Accessories
Time management is essential for most busy executives. One of the first things workers need to help balance meetings, appointments and tasks is a calendar. Most cubicle areas have walls that allow for push-pin inserts. Find a calendar that suits your personality and cubicle "theme" and tack it your cubicle wall. You can also customize calendars with family photos or vacation pictures.
When seeking a calendar, keep in the mind the following:
- Do you need dates only or do you need areas to write notes?
- Do you need a work-week only calendar or a calendar that shows the weekends, too?
- Do you need a calendar with months-ahead featured on the current month?
Feng Shui in the Cube
Before diving into your cubicle redesign, remember that other people will see your workspace. Keep in mind that organization design changes frequently and you may be asked to relocate to a different cubicle.
However, with the Feng Shui design in homes, many employees are also bringing the Feng Shui design to their cubicle space.
Feng Shui is known to add a calming atmosphere to your workspace and bring certain elements to the area which help promote productivity and creativty, among other things. This could include plants, fountains, and soft lamps.
There are many books on the market that offer Feng Shui decorating guidelines for the cubicle or office. After planning your Feng Shui cubicle design, check your local office supply store or go online to buy supplies and accessories that will enhance your Feng Shui design.
Mousepads Make Great Gifts
If you are in the market for a quick and affordable Holiday gift with lots of personality, try customizing a new mousepad for various members of your family. Here are a few suggestions for personalized mouse pads:
- Add a photo of the entire family
- Customize a mousepad with a favorite sports team
- Order a college alumnae mousepad
Holiday Cubicle Decoration Ideas
Okay, so you can't fit a 10 foot Christmas tree in your cubicle, but you'd at least like to have some sort of cubicle decoration for the holidays. Lucky for you, there are hundreds of ideas out there. Here are some tips to decorating your office cubicle for the holidays:
- Hang holiday lights around the inside of your cube
- Pickup a two foot plastic tree for hanging miniature decorations.
- Throw a Santa hat on to the top of your computer monitor for decoration
- Have a candy jar filled with holiday-colored candies
- Hang a stocking on your cubicle wall
- Hang drawings of dreidels, menorahs, trees and candles
Add-ons for Bulletin Boards
Bulletin boards are a great way to post valuable company or department information and share event news. But some bulletin boards are simply loaded with clutter.
Add-ons are a great way to break up the clutter of overloaded bulletin boards. Add On Boards include an Easy Mounting hanging system for easy/accurate installation, attached marker tray and Quick Clips to simply slide items under the clip. Other add-ons can be custom designed such as character pin-ups, surveys, sign-up sheets, and possibly a flip album from the last employee event.
Webcams and the Work Environment
If you need to be in video teleconferences with other webcam users then you shouldn't have a problem getting authorization to have your own webcam at your desk. Use caution however, as one inappropriate video conference could cost you your job.
Choosing the Right Picture Frames for Your Workstation
Boring two dimensional frames don't say much about the person inhabiting the cubicle. Look for deals and you may be able to pick up a nice three dimensional frame or better yet, you could get an electronic frame that swaps out photos every few minutes.
Choosing the Right Office Mats
There are a variety of office mats available. It's important to know the difference before you purchase them from an office supply store.
Indoor Office Mats should be super absorbent, have an eye-friendly color or pattern, raised rubber areas, have a heavy rubber backing and should be considered "all weather".
Outdoor Mats typically have an extra tough grit surface. The heavy recycled rubber backing keeps outdoor mats in place.
Anti-Fatigue Mats are typically more industrial and offer up to half an inch or more of cushioning.
Anti-Static Mats are designed to protect sensitive equipment by quickly drawing the static off workers before they touch susceptible chemicals or apparatus.
Kitchen and Rubber Mats are made specifically for traction and should be grease proof.
Personalized Office Signs to Boost Morale
Adding office signs outside cubicles, such as engraved name plates, awards and recognition plaques are a great way to boost employee morale. In today's busy workplace, having a personalized sign of recognition shows that the employee is valued. Moral boosting perks like personalizing an employee cubicle can help rejuvenate long-term ambitions and subside ideas of seeking outside opportunities.
Dry Erase Boards and Their Markers
Remember that Dry Erase boards only work with dry erase markers. If you attempt to use a normal (non-dry erase) marker, you'll find your reminder note is a permanent one. Stick to dry erase markers made by companies such as Expo and Marks-A-Lot who have both been in the marker business for years.
Most Dry Erase boards come with markers and a cleaning solution in the same package. Take special care to use the markers that come with the board to ensure you don't leave permanent stains on the board.
| Guru Spotlight |
| Patricia Walters-Fischer |
