Throughout the average work week we spend around one quarter of our time at the office. That means that if you’re interested in working toward a greener future for this country, your job can be an obstacle that keeps you from pursuing that goal. So why not start working for the environment while also working at your job? With just a few simple steps, some of which can actually increase productivity, you can help make the world a greener place all day, every day.

1. Recycle

It’s simple, effective, and we’ve all known about this for years. Rather than throwing your bottles, paper, and cans in the rubbish, throw them into a recycling bin. Nearly every city in the country has a recycling system that is just as convenient as the trash system, and you can arrange for them to pick it up from your office in much the same way. The only drawback is that in most places they require that you separate papers, plastics, and aluminums, but by just placing three clearly labelled bins next to each other, you can do your sorting instantly.

2. Turn the lights off in unoccupied rooms

Conference rooms, bathrooms, offices — just remember to flip the switch off on your way out. You can also install motion sensors on the light switches so that they’ll turn off automatically, though these can be inconsistent and certainly more costly than turning the switch off by hand.

3. Do away with paper, plastic, and styrofoam plates, cups, and utensils

By simply stocking your office with ceramic dishes, you can save money and the environment. Styrofoam isn’t even biodegradable, let alone recyclable, and paper plates and cups can add huge costs to your budget over the year, not to mention produce an amazing amount of waste. Besides, why drink coffee from a styrofoam cup when you can drink it from your World’s Greatest Boss Mug?

4. Stop drinking bottled water

Though you might lose the sense of personal ownership that comes with having a bottle filled with filtered water, the need is urgent. Recent reports show that the amount of plastic waste generated every year in the UK is estimated to be about 3 million tonnes, with 56% of that being from from packaging, and three-quarters is from households. Any reduce in that amount of waste would do wonders for the environment.

5. Use e-mail whenever possible

Thanks to the information age, we’re able to share ideas with each other without the use of paper. Take advantage of this. And if you’re a fan of printing out your e-mails for posterity, be sure to filter out your unwanted e-mails on the computer first.

6. Encourage working from home or energy-reducing travel

Fuel shortages have become an ever growing concern and by working from home, the UK could save millions litres of petrol every year. The UK’s Energy Saving Trust As fuel prices go up, this could not only help the environment, but help cut costs, especially once workers begin to demand fuel reimbursement be built into their salaries.  If it’s impossible to work from home, encourage energy-saving travel methods like public transport, where necessary, such as buses. A more environmentally friendly option, double-decker buses can carry the same amount of people as 40 cars! They’re also up to seven times safer.

The buzz word for the dress code of a professional office has become “office casual” whatever that means. Office casual means something different for every business office. Most offices don’t define what is meant by office casual, so everyone shows up in what they think is appropriate. Office workers are often confused on what not to wear to work.

Though we never want to go back to shirts and ties or skirts, hosiery, and pumps on a daily basis, we also need to keep a professional look in our attire at the office. If you keep away from the office attire “no-no’s” we will discuss in this post you will probably wear the correct casual and professional dress.

Take the Emphasis Off “Casual”

The biggest faux pas in office casual wear is our emphasis on the word “casual” and the de-emphasizing of the word “office”. Most casual clothing is not suitable to be worn in the office. Tee shirts, sweats, shorts, jeans, leggings, and tennis shoes are good things to wear around the house or at the mall, but they reflect an unprofessional attitude when worn in the office.

Tips for Women

Women should not wear revealing clothing. It is not appropriate to expose your cleavage, stomach, back, underwear, or feet in the office. Anything short or too tight is also wrong for the office. If you want to be taken seriously, don’t “undress” at the office.

Any open toe shoe such as sandals, flip flops, or thongs should not be worn in the office. It is fine to eliminate hosiery during the summer months.

Make up should be worn in moderation as well as any colognes and perfumes.

Large, chunky costume jewelry does not look good with office casual attire and can be very distracting to the wearer and fellow office workers. Body piercings other than pierced ears are too extreme in the office.

Tips for Men

Wrinkled, torn, or dirty clothing is always unacceptable. Clothing with pictures, words, or symbols are not appropriate office attire even on dress down days while brand names, university and sports team garments are fine on declared dress down days. Pressed jeans minus holes and tears are a welcome change on dress down days.

Hats are not to be worn in the office. However, head coverings that are worn because of religious beliefs or ethnic tradition are suitable.

Why not decide to wear a shirt, tie, and jacket to the office wear one day a week? It will make a difference in your attitude and productivity.

Every year, it is helpful reassess your workspace by cleaning up and rearranging your resources, furniture, and files. This process gives the space a new feel and its organisation system will improve each year with your personalised experience.

Make a Hot File to Sort Priorities

Begin by creating a “Hot File” and positioning it within easy reach on your desktop. Use this file to hold your most pressing project details, proposals, or other important information. Try to keep it small – everything on your desk can not be classified as “A Priority” for this method to be effective. Purchase a monthly file sorter to store your remaining, pending papers. Use this to contain all upcoming events, projects, invoices, and more by the month.

This practice will avoid messy, unorganised stacks of paperwork that pile up on most desks by the year’s end. At the beginning of each month, simply review the filed documents in your pending folder and deal with them accordingly.

Set up a Bulletin Board to Keep You Updated

Another useful tool to consider is a large bulletin board. It’s great to have this close to your desk and perfect to post those urgent, last minute notes, memos, informational guides, comic strips, and other mementos. If it’s important and needs to remain in clear sight as a resource or reminder to you, then this is the best place to put it in your newly, reorganized office.

Maintain a Clear, Defined Space For Your Work

Every office space needs a clear, work surface – perfect for assembling those important memos and reports, prepping direct mails, or just holding the extras that we all come across from time to time. Consider purchasing a credenza or small work table to place behind your desk – or perhaps to the side if space is limited. Even a simple folding table can work in a pinch and you can even put it away in a closet when it’s not in use. It’s portable too, so co-workers can use it too, whenever necessary.

File Your Paperwork, Properly

Make sure you have a quality system for filing paperwork. Whether you’re lucky enough to fit the necessary files in a simple, 2- or 4-drawer cabinet, or your office requires a more sophisticated filing setup, organization is the key to storing your most important information.

Whether you rearrange your furniture, desktop, or files you’ll benefit this year and increase your productivity in the long term. So, this year, don’t forget to put some thought into rearranging your office space when drafting a list of resolutions for 2010!

It’s a party, but that doesn’t mean it’s a “party”, not in ways you might typically think. When you and your colleagues gather to celebrate the holidays, act accordingly. Before all else, it’s still an office function, possibly the first time you’ve stood with workplace superiors outside of the workplace.

Don’t overdo it at the cocktail table

This might be the first time your boss gets to see your “other side”. The last thing you want to do is cast yourself in an unprofessional light by downing too many drinks before leading the sales department through a slurred rendition of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”. Don’t get caught up in the festivities and start acting like you’re back at the frat house.

Dress appropriately

Sure, it’s OK to stray from the business-casual wardrobe that outfits you day in and day out throughout the year. But you’re not going “clubbing”. Let your typical office attire be your gauge. It’s fine to lean a little less conservative, but not too far. While office parties are festive events, standard workplace behavior is expected.

Don’t try to “hook up” at your work party

If you’ve been waiting for the chance to see the “hottie” down the hall in a more social setting, remember who’s watching. Use the party as a chance to engage in mature conversation to get to know somebody a little better. But tales of the couple who were caught making out in the coat closet will do nothing to improve your standing with upper-management.

Don’t complain if your Christmas bonus was low or non-existent this year

Times are tough. Many companies are even skipping the festivities due to expenses. If you’re overheard grumbling about not getting a big, fat Christmas bonus (or, for that matter, about anything else negative toward the company) words can travel fast. Keep them to yourself and enjoy the party. Not everybody is getting one these days.

Don’t just blow it off

Your office party probably hasn’t been advertised as being mandatory, but treat it as such. Go, at least for a while. If you’ve already got a prior engagement, be sure your office manager is aware of it ahead of time. To ignore it without acknowledging it would be disrespectful.

Remember: The best rule of thumb is do not detach yourself completely from office norms that dictate your everyday behavior at work. Stay in good standing with your superiors by obeying these rules of etiquette.

Breakout furniture provides comfortable and attractive furnishings for staff and visitors to relax in and enjoy. It sends a message to those who use it, and armchairs, sofas, and tables that are inviting and stylish while fitting the company’s image, intended use, and space requirements is an integral part of creating an appealing environment.

The first thing to consider when choosing breakout furniture is the office’s requirements. For instance, are you looking for pieces to fit in a doctor’s office, or a restaurant? Are you looking for stools to sit at a bar, or tables and chairs to sit independently from it for employees to relax at during their breaks? The use of the furniture is the most important issue to contemplate when selecting breakout furniture items. The next point to think over is the volume of people who will use the pieces. Is the space a high-traffic, high-volume area such as a corporate canteen that will seat many people each day? If so, making sure that the pieces are durable and well constructed is very important. If the pieces will not see heavy traffic on a regular basis, perhaps something more ornate and luxuriant would best suit the environment. In addition, who will be using the furniture is an important point. If the pieces are for an employee break room only, must they match the rest of the building’s pieces, or should they have their own style? If they are to be used by employees, visitors, and potential clients regularly, is continuity in style important throughout each room in the building?

Space is the second factor to mull over when contemplating breakout furniture. It is important to utilize a room’s space to the fullest, as square footage can be at a premium in many buildings; ensuring unimpeded access to essential exit doors and routes in case of emergency is of the utmost importance, as building owners do not want these outlets blocked by furniture. When choosing breakout pieces, consider the layout of the room; is it a perfect square, or rectangular? What is the square footage that you have to work with? Do you want to utilize a bare wall, or place individual islands throughout the area? What about when no one is around? When the day is done, will the chairs need to be stackable to open up alternate space usage or ease of access for the janitorial staff? If so, stackable chairs and tables that are light enough to easily move are a must.

Once you understand the company’s utilization and space requirements, style is the next essential point to ponder. Do you want pieces that compliment your office’s décor, or ones that stand out from it? If a dentist’s office has a rustic, log cabin theme, they might not be interested in breakout furniture that features bold colors and modern designs. On the other hand, if the space has tile floors, high ceilings, and incredible amounts of sunlight streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows, modern and colorful or even contemporary might be just the thing. For breakout areas that have a bar or café theme, high or low stools can be the perfect complement to circular or square traditional bar tables, as well as a bar itself, and complete a relaxing and carefree atmosphere. Another point to keep in mind with a bar or café theme is whether this setup is inside or outside; if outside, making sure that the breakout furniture pieces are weatherproofed or otherwise able to handle the elements is very important.

For those in the market for breakout furniture, remember three things: the business’ requirements, its space, and its style. Think about furniture utilization and who will use the pieces and for what, how much real estate is open, and what style will present the image the company wants. Look for pieces that will fill the company’s breakout needs, whether they are large or small, what will fit in the breakout area and what will not, and if the pieces represent the company well. Bear in mind that the furniture should be comfortable for those who will use it, not overcrowd the room it will fill, and present a hospitable picture for all that use it.

The modern workplace is a busy, noisy place. Not only do you have ringing desk phones, but you also have ringing cell phones. People are constantly talking, leaving for meetings, and noisily typing away at their keyboards. It can be difficult to concentrate in such an environment. When a worker is constantly distracted from a task, productivity is reduced. It takes individuals longer to complete even simple tasks when they work in a noisy environment.

Office partitions can improve worker concentration and workplace productivity. These partitions help block out both visual and auditory distractions. Although your employees will still be able to hear the noises of the office, these noises will become less noticeable and therefore less distracting.

Office partitions also help to reduce idle chat. In order to speak with a coworker, an employee will need to either to walk into the partitioned area or speak over the partition wall. Although talk is still possible, as it should be, partitions cut down on distracting casual conversations. Because it is slightly more inconvenient to engage in conversation, employees will save their chatter for work-related topics or truly important matters. When an employee begins a personal conversation with another employee, they both suffer drops in productivity. Office partitions do not just prevent your employees from spending extra time away from their desks chatting, they also protect other employees from unwanted and disruptive conversations.

Building your workers individual work spaces can even make them feel like they own part of the environment. The privacy that cubicles provide allows workers to relax and focus on work. They will no longer worry about people walking by their desk twenty times a day, stopping each time to say hello. The office dweller with a private partition feels that his or her work space is protected. You will prevent unproductive office chat and protect productive workers from unnecessary distractions.

A well-designed office space, even one that uses partitions, does not need to feel isolating. In fact, office partitions can help build team spirit. Use office partitions to group together members of the same team. The partitions will eliminate distractions and help each member of the team get work done efficiently. The office partitions will help the group’s overall productivity. If the members of a work group need to exchange data or files routinely, their closeness will allow them to exchange information efficiently. Group members will be able to stay in their area and will be able to get necessary information without running all over the office. Grouping your members together using partitions will both cut back on office noise because there will be less movement and ensure that groups communicate effectively.

Keeping group members together also ensures that they stay accountable for their work. Because everyone is working on the same project, if one employee is slacking, everyone else in the team will know.
Communication will be improved because it is hard to dodge a question when the person who needs the answer sits right next to you. If a team member has not completed part of the project on time, the work group can encourage the unproductive employee to complete the task as quickly as possible. Because of the proximity to the rest of the team, each employee will feel extra pressure to preform.

Office partitions will make your office a quieter, more productive environment. Easily distracted employees will benefit from the reduction in noise and unnecessary chatter. Busy, productive employees will thank you for making their job a little easier. Office partitions will also improve team performance and communication. Your workplace will function better.

In a world where most people spend more time with their co-workers than their families, it’s important to establish good working relationships in the office. Sure, it may be difficult to get along with everyone in the office, just like in regular life. Personalities and working styles don’t always mesh, so following are the top tips for getting along with your office co-workers.

Respect
In an office environment, everyone should be treated as professionals and with respect. At some point, each person in the office was interviewed and then hired, so someone thought they deserved a chance to prove themselves. Regardless of who the person is, what they look like, or what their prior experience is, they are your co-worker for a reason. They have something to contribute to the company. It seems very simple, but establishing a base of respect for others will create a nice working environment.

Communication
Sometimes people get so wrapped up in their own little worlds, that they don’t realize how disruptive they may be to others (e.g., when someone is chewing gum or clipping their toenails in the office or cubicle next to you). So sometimes, you just have to speak up. If a co-worker is acting out of line and making you hate them, your company, or your life, then it’s healthiest to open communication to resolve the issue. Too many people are afraid to speak up, letting little things build up until they’re ready to burst. Communication is key to establishing good relationships with your office co-workers.

Cooperation
Some people remember this concept from the Sesame Street song “Cooperation makes it happen,” but it’s an ideal that, even when learned young, remains important throughout life, especially in the office. While some jobs may be more independent than others, it’s important to consider office co-workers as a team. Everyone is there working for the same company and goals, so it’s best to work together and help each other when you can. It’s another idea that children learn young, when playing together on sports teams, and it’s something that should flow into adult life and the office. If someone could use your help or expertise, then why not lend it to them?

Sure, they say you can’t choose your family, and unless you’re the boss, you probably can’t choose your co-workers, either. So your best option is to establish good, lasting working relationships with your office co-workers to ensure that your work day is as enjoyable and productive as possible.

If you work in an office, then you know that the right office products can make you that much more productive. This way, you have the tools you need to succeed. The following are the office products that any successful person needs to keep themselves focus and organized.

One of the most important office products to invest in is a quality desk. This gives you the space you need to work. Look for a desk that is sure to keep you organized. It should have enough storage space for everything from folders and files to office supplies like staplers and Post-Its.

Similarly, it pays to invest in a high quality office chair. If you work in an office, then chances are high that you are sitting the majority of the day. This will keep your mind and body as healthy as possible.

File folder organizers are a great way to stay on top of your work. This will make pulling specific information that much easier and efficient.

Invest in a desk lamp, and you won’t be sorry. This will ensure that you can work no matter the time of day. On a rainy day, a desk lamp can make all the difference between having a productive day and a gloomy one.

Next, be sure to invest in a desk organizer. This will help you keep your outgoing and ingoing mail separated and will you give you spaces or slots in which to place everything from extra paperclips and staples to your office keys.

Invest in a corkboard so that you can pin up important documents or notices. This will also give you the space you need to hang family photographs.

Nothing beats a solid calendar. This will help you quickly check the date and keep yourself on task on a daily basis.

A planner is another necessary office product. Investing in this item will ensure you have important dates, deadlines, and information all within arm’s reach.

A Rolodex is an important investment if you want to keep on touch with important contacts. This helps you network and build relationships with other people in your field and with clients.

A shredder is a great investment, especially if you are working with confidential information like financial documents. This protects both your office and you from passing along personal information

Effective communication is essential to successful management and leadership. The office meeting is a good way to communicate information to a group of people, and get feedback at the same time. Poorly done, however, meetings can be the biggest waste of time in an organization. Whether in the public or private sector, workers find themselves involved in a large number of meetings, and at all levels, employees often have to be responsible for organizing or running meetings.

Ensuring that meetings don’t waste time, and achieve communications goals, is a matter of proper prior planning. Following are some helpful tips to make office meetings more effective.

1. Establish a clear agenda for the meeting and communicate it in advance to all participants. This will enable participants to arrive prepared and eliminate the need to take up time explaining the meeting’s purpose.

2. Set and enforce ground rules. Make clear the start and end times, the amount of time allowed for individual presentations, etc., and make sure everyone abides by the rules. Office meetings should always start and end on time, and except in very rare cases, should not last longer than one hour.

3. Assign responsibility for chairing the meeting. Even in flat organizations without clear lines of authority, unstructured meetings without someone in charge are unproductive and waste valuable time.

4. Have all necessary equipment and materials in place before the meeting starts. Make sure that AV equipment is in working order, and there is someone available who knows how to operate it.

5. Select an appropriate location for the meeting. It goes without saying that the meeting room should be large enough to accommodate all participants. But, it should also have adequate lighting and ventilation, and furnishings (chairs, writing surfaces, etc.) that are comfortable and facilitate taking notes. The meeting venue should also be as centrally located as possible.

6. Consider alternatives to face-to-face meetings. Some communications are more effective when done face-to-face, but for routine communication, it can be expensive in money and time to move large groups of people to a central location. Digital Video Conference-capable satellite facilities located near work areas allow effective communication between and among groups of people without taking them away from work for extended periods. This is especially useful if your organization has elements that are widely separated in the same building or located in different cities.

All of us have problems with organization. There’s just so much stuff and too little time to get to all of it. When we have to deal with our desks, whether we’re doing business or pleasure, the desk becomes the repository for all sorts of clutter. If you’re like me, sometimes the piles end up being taller than I am when I stand up.

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Luckily, that doesn’t happen anymore, because I have come up with ways to avoid letting my desk get to that point. Here are 10 tips to help you better organize your desk.

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1. Prepare for the organization

The first step before anything else doesn’t involve the desk at all. You need to have some things handy because, when you start this process, you’re going to resolve to do a positive action with every single thing you touch. So, get your garbage can, your shredder, and at least 3 boxes the size of stationary boxes, the type where you can put things into it by removing the top. If you don’t have boxes, then you’re going to have to write up large labels for yourself and put them on the floor next to your desk. The title of each of these labels is “Immediate Response,” “Read,” and “File Away.”

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2. Move all Paperwork Off!

Now it’s time to move all paper, books and magazines off your desk. Start from either the right or the left and work towards the other direction. Organize your paper by the three categories you created above. Put all magazines in the box labeled “Read”. Stack your books in their own pile. And, of course, shred or throw away everything that’s trash.

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3. What do you really need?

Next, it’s time to look at all the remaining things on your desk. Every single one of these things is going to involve an immediate action step. You can throw it away, put it in a drawer, move it to another place or put it somewhere on the desk where you think it’s appropriate or entertaining. For instance, if you have stress balls on your desk and you’re often stressed, you might want to put them far enough away on your desk to be out of the way, but not too far to reach. Maybe you have pictures of your family on your desk; they can be pushed further away because you can still see them. Business cards, either put them in your desk drawer or put them in your “Immediate Response” box. Don’t have too many things left on your desk, though, even if it’s family pictures. It’s much more efficient to put pictures on the walls, and other things in a drawer.

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4. Move Your Books

At this point, you should be left with a totally clean desk, but we’re obviously not done. The next step is to do something with all your books. Either put them in a bookcase or remove them from the room. If you’re working on something and need one of those books, leave it next to your desk for the time being, but don’t put it back on the desk.

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5. Get Filing!

Next, it’s time to address the items that you put in the “File Away” area. If you have a filing cabinet, or wherever you put files, put that stuff away. While you’re at it, you might as well do the same thing for the items you put in the “Read” box. Separate the magazines from the other paper, because magazines are always something you can take with you, put in the bathroom, or put in other rooms. If you have enough room in your file cabinet, put those items you want to read in their own area. Here’s a truth; most of the things you put in your “Read” area you’re never going to read. If something sits longer than 4 weeks, get rid of it. Even Einstein had a problem with this one, so you’re not alone.

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6. Move Immediate Response Items

Finally, it’s time to get to the “Immediate Response” items. At this point, you’re either only going to touch these items once or twice. Once means you’re going to do something with it as soon as you look at it, so you can throw it away. Twice means it’s something like a bill, and you need to put it somewhere so you can pay it when it’s due. This step could take you awhile if you had a lot of items here.

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7. Sort Your Inbox

Contrary to popular belief, an “Inbox” is not the place where you get something and put it there. It’s a place where other people who deliver things to you put something so you’ll look at it. Therefore, unless you have someone bringing you things, get the inbox off your desk. Instead, put it behind you somewhere, or to the side of you. The psychological thinking of this is that we tend to start ignoring those things that are directly in front of us, but if we have to make one more action step, such as turning around and putting something in a tray, we’ll think about it more. This now becomes your new “Read” bin, because from this point on, except for bills, whenever anything comes in that needs an immediate response, you’re going to take care of it right then and there. If it doesn’t need an immediate response, it’s either “Read,” shred or trash.

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8. Organise Your Drawers

To keep your desk free of clutter from things such as pens, paper clips and the like, buy a drawer organizer to keep all those things in. If you have a small drawer that won’t support something like that, then buy one for your desk. People are always looking for those types of things, and because they’re small, they get all over.

9. Keep things like staplers and staple removers in the top or middle drawer. You probably don’t use them all that often, and they’re big enough to take up enough space to get in the way. That also goes for things like binder clips and rubber bands.

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10. Don’t just throw everything in your desk drawer without some kind of plan. The main things most people lack are enough resources to put things in a place where they’re not cluttering up other spaces. If you have a deep drawer in your desk, it’s not the “pile everything in there” drawer. It’s meant for business items, whether at home or work. Things like checks, or contracts, or any other types of files. If you need to either buy other organizers that fit your needs and space or get rid of more stuff. Think of it this way; most of the things we tend to keep we’re not going to do anything with, or rarely touch. If it’s not something very important, move it.

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At this point you not only have a clean desk, but a plan for keeping it that way. All it takes to keep a clean desk is a bit of organization and the dedication to take care of things when they come in. It’s not always easy, but the good thing is you now also have a plan for getting out from under clutter the next time it looks like it’s coming back. Good luck!

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