The Importance of Sleep – Productivity Series | Innovative Office Solutions

A crucial component of stellar productivity is proper sleeping habits.  In this second installment of our Productivity Series – we focus on Sleep.   

Sleep is one of the most important, yet under appreciated, keys to productivity.  By not focusing on this essential part of our daily lives – we are only doing further damage to our productivity – and health – as a whole.

According to the CDC, 35 percent of Americans report regularly getting less than the recommended amount 7-8 hours of sleep per night.  Arianna Huffington, of The Huffington Post, preaches the importance of sleep herself.  By not getting proper sleep, not only are you damaging your body for the long and short term, but your output at work as well.

Harvard suggests that “sleep deprivation was a significant factor in the 1979 nuclear accident at Three Mile Island, as well as the 1986 nuclear meltdown at Chernobyl.”

Accidents due to sleep deprivation can also be attributed to events on a less disastrous level.  According to the Institutes of Medicine, “over one million injuries and between 50,000 and 100,000 deaths each year result from preventable medical errors, and many of these may be the result of insufficient sleep.  Doctors, especially newly graduated interns, are often expected to work continuous shifts of 24 to 36 hours with little or no opportunity for sleep.”  A decrease in productivity due to sleep-related issues not only effects an employee’s workload output, but can also cost companies thousands – even millions.

According to a study published in 2010, within the data taken from participants, $54 million – roughly $1,967 per employee within this study – could be expect to be lost annually.  Estimated costs linked to productivity decreases ranged from $1,293 to $3,296

Like any employee or business owner you are now most likely thinking, “I wonder how much money we’re losing due to sleep deprivation?”  Unfortunately, we don’t have an answer for you.

However, we do have a few ideas on how to encourage proper sleeping habits throughout your office – ultimately leading to increased productivity.

Increased Workplace Flexibility

• Allowing more flexible start and end times may help contribute to positive lifestyle behaviors.  Their are many benefits to a more flexible work schedule other than increased sleeping patterns and productivity,  but those two are essential reasons to start incorporating a more flexible work schedule.

Workplace Education Programs

• Educate employees on the importance of proper sleeping habits, and how they can improve life both at home – and at the office.  Make it clear that occasional sleep loss and fatigue are expected, but teach employees on how to safely and effectively function while “running on empty”.  Topics such as regular exercise, proper nutrition, and manageable workloads could all be covered in depth as they are a few important elements when looking to improve sleeping habits.

• “One of the most significant and overlooked public health problems in the U.S. is that many American adults are chronically sleep deprived.”  Not only can better sleep schedules help eliminate one of the worst health problems for working adults, increased sleep increases ability to concentrate, strengthens the immune system and decreases risks of being killed in accidents.

 

Getting more sleep is often times easier said than done.  However,  as long as you’re more conscious of how important proper sleeping habits are, the more likely you are to change your current habits.  There are plenty of reasons to get into a better sleep routine – saving your employer thousands, increasing workplace safety, and keeping your sanity – that it is up to you to put the proper actions in place.

 

 

 

Race Into the New Year with Help From Innovative Office Solutions | Innovative Office Solutions

Not only do organized races encourage a healthy lifestyle, but also increase awareness for countless different movements and organizations.  5K’s and other organized races seem to last year round.  If you’re planning an organized run – whether a 5K or otherwise – for the near future, let Innovative Office Solutions help outfit you with all the branded merchandise you’ll need!

Innovative Office Solutions is known for providing companies with high-quality products and services.  Did you know those products also include apparel and ear buds, to trail mix and first aid kits?  Being that Spring is right around the corner (we hope), 5K’s and other races are going to more and more popular.  Be sure you’ve got all the essentials at your next event!  Check out what we can provide.

 

Runners

• Apparel
  • This goes without saying.  Everyone loves a t-shirt or hat to commemorate their participation.  Leave your participants with unforgettable memories  – and merchandise!

• Towels
  • Nothing can be more irritating than beads of sweat running down your face or getting in your eye as you run.  Keep your participants comfortable with branded towels!
• Lip balm
  • Wind can be brutal on runners skin – surprise your participants with some branded lip balm.
• Water bottles
  • Water bottles and running go hand-in-hand.  Keep your participants hydrated.

• Ear buds
  • Some runners enjoy music while running.  Provide your participants with sweet ear buds so they can plug into their “running” playlist!

• Trail mix
  • Perfect for refueling after an arduous race.

For those folks who come out to support friends or family members during their race, the participants don’t only have all the fun.  Attendees can get in on the action, too!

Attendees

• Bottled water
  • Don’t let attendees sit and cheer on their friends or family members without something to drink!
• Umbrellas
  • For those rainy, snowy, or overly sunny days – umbrellas are perfect for those avid 5k fans
• Can Koozies
  • Help keep attendee beverages cold with branded koozies – another great idea when looking to give attendees something by which to remember the event!

From celebratory and commemorative metals, to finish line ribbons –  we’ve got everything to make race organizers lives that much easier.

Organizers

• Medals
  • Because winners loved to be recognized, and again – a great way for participants to remember the race

• First aid kits and Bandaid Dispensers
  • Prepare for the worst, while your first aid kit looks the best
• Ribbons
  • Let your runners celebrate their finish in style by crossing one of your branded ribbons!

 These products are all perfect for, but aren’t strictly limited to, 5k runs!  Most would also work for things like corporate golf outings – or simply having around the office.  Contact Innovative Office Solution’s Promotional Specialist Pearlee Coty at 612.386.8204 or  PCoty@innovativeos.com if you’re in the stages of planning a 5K, corporate outing, or simply need to spruce up the office space with more branded products!

Reasons to Increase Office Collaboration | Innovative Office Solutions

“A collaborative culture” sounds good on paper – but how many businesses actually put this key piece of interaction in place?  Collaborative workspaces seem to be a hot new trend in office layouts – and have proven to be beneficial to many successful organizations.

However cool they may look, the key part to collaborative workspaces can be found in the word itself – collaboration.  Cool layouts are for naught if they aren’t used properly.  We’ve touched on the benefits of collaborative workspaces on the Innovative blog before, but this post will focus on the importance of the action of collaboration – and how it will benefit you, your employees, and your business in the long run.

1.  Increased Innovation

• When one thinks about “office collaboration”, the cliche phrase “two heads are better than one” comes to mind.  In this case – that phrase is correct.  Office collaboration provides you the opportunity to work with someone you may not always work with, in order to achieve a common goal.  However, as outlined earlier, that common goal must be clearly outlined before collaboration is to being.

2.  Utilization of Multiple Strengths

• By combining teams of coworkers who don’t often work together, new and multiple strengths can be uncovered.  For instance, someone in finance may have a knack for the written word, or a member of the customer service team has a deep desire to design.  When new partnerships are forged within the workplace, coworkers strengths can be uncovered – ultimately benefitting each other and the business as a whole.

3.  Proper and Efficient Use of Resources

• If one person in the office is tasked with something they are either unfamiliar with or something for which they are unqualified, it can turn into an inappropriate usage of time and resources.  However, when multiple people are focused on one project – where each worker’s strengths are properly showcased – different employees can shine – and projects get completed more efficiently.

4.  Increased Efficiency 

• Workplace collaboration allows businesses to efficiently complete important projects and initiatives. The more departments and employees involved, work can be distributed more evenly to those who have the time and expertise.  Often referred to as the divide and conquer strategy – a larger team, consisting of six or eight individuals – where multiple members could each take a small specialized part of the project and accomplish it in a faster timeframe.

If you’re thinking about redesigning your office layout – or would like to learn more about the open office floor plan at Innovative Office Solutions – give us a call at 952.808.9900!

Increased Printing Efficiency and Security – HP JetAdvantage Pull Print | Innovative Office Solutions

Experience the benefits of HP JetAdvantage Pull Print today – at no extra cost.

Maintain print job confidentiality with the new JetAdvantage Pull Print service offered by HP, both in the cloud and on demand.

By requiring user authentication before print jobs can be released, you can be sure the right documents land in the right hands. And because it works with your existing HP fleet of printers and MFPs, you can get started quickly.

When utilizing the HP JetAdvantage Pull Print service, you eliminate accidental and misplaced print jobs – helping cut costs on paper, toner, ink, and time. Plus, you can increase productivity by enabling users to only print from the most convenient enabled HP printer or MFP.

Make your business more cost-efficient today with HP JetAdvantage Pull Print.

If you’d like to learn more about this service from HP – or to see if you qualify – visit our website or contact our Account Executive Christina Boerigter – CBoerigter@innovativeos.com – for more info!

Word Find – Learn How to Play Along With Innovative and Win!

Each Thursday email Innovative sends out, YOU could have a chance to play along and win a FREE Innovative Prize pack. Here is how you play.

HOW TO PLAY INNOVATIVE WORD FIND

1. For the month of December, each Thursday Innovative will unveil a new word coded in BLUE somewhere in the email.

2. Keep track of the BLUE word each week.

3. December’s newsletter will have the last word of the phrase and you will have a chance to submit your answer to win an Innovative Prize Pack!

4. Don’t miss out on our weekly emails to play along!

If you aren’t signed up for our weekly promotional emails, Click Here.

The Importance of Nutrition – Productivity Series #1 | Innovative Office Solutions

With the Holiday season just around the corner, we’re moving into “comfort food season”.  We’ll be the first to tell you that we love our comfort food.  Sure, it always “hits the spot” and we’re full for what feels like days afterwards, but what are we doing to our bodies – and how can we avoid the dreaded “food coma” during precious family time?  Below are some nutritional tips talking about foods that help satisfy and keep you feeling “full” – all while helping keep you moving through the day.

In our first in a series of posts, we’re focusing on 3 key factors in increasing your productivity – things you might not always think about.  

First up is nutrition!

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) adequate nourishment can raise national productivity levels by 20 percent.  That’s quite the increase and, frankly, we could all use increased productivity in today’s busy world.  In a 2012 study, the journal Population Health Management stated that employees who eat unhealthily were 66 percent more likely to report a loss in productivity when compared to those who regularly ate grains, fruits and vegetables.  Thats every 2 out of 3 employees who feel less productive when not receiving adequate nutrition.

But what exactly is adequate nutrition?  Is it adhering specifically to the food pyramid?  The truth is – the answer is going to vary from person to person.  Hopefully, however, after reading this blog post – you’ll have a better idea of what will work for you.

(Dark) Chocolate Isn’t An Enemy – Thank Goodness

• Dark chocolate slows cognitive decline, while pumping caffeine into your bloodstream allowing you extended amounts of energy while helping you increase productivity.  This is an especially good option if you’ve just finished your third cup of coffee and can barely sit still.
• Dark chocolate is rich in Polyphenols, which was recently found to help promote calm and feelings of content.  “The polyphenols found in dark chocolate hang out with brain receptors associated with anxiety, the study authors say, in the same way that some common anxiety medications do.”

Nuts Can Help Keep You Sane

• Chock-full of Vitamin E, nuts and seeds also help slow cognitive decline as you age.  Basically, nuts and seeds are an investment in your health.  The more you eat, the healthier you’ll be in the long run.

You Need Fat?!

• Avocado’s, for example, can help reduce LOWER BAD CHOLESTEROL – ultimately decreasing your risk of cardiovascular disease.  Blood flow is increased as bad cholesterol and plaque build up are eliminated.  So go ahead, have another spoonful of guacamole.

(Grass-Fed) Butter is *GASP* GOOD for Your Heart?

• Grass-fed butter is full of Vitamin K2  – is one of the most important nutrients in the diet for heart and bone health.
  • Vitamin K works modifies proteins, giving them the ability to bind calcium ions.  Calcium can “leach” our of bones, which can lead to osteoporosis and heart disease.  For this reason, it affects all sorts of functions related to calcium metabolism.

Antioxidants Keep You Healthy…And Productive

• According to neuroscientist James A. Joseph, “dark-hued fruits and vegetables, especially blueberries, are just about the best foods you could consume for inoculating brain and body against the ravages of time.”  He goes on to state that blueberries can preserve cardiovascular health by acting as an anti-inflammatory agent, as well as promote brain integrity. “Oxidative stress and inflammation are the evil twins of brain aging,” Joseph insists.

Inflammation is Good — But Also Bad

Inflammation helps us heal, but out of control inflammation can have adverse effects.

• Thought to play a role in obesity, heart disease and cancer, inflammatory foods are those high in sugar and saturated fat content. “They cause overactivity in the immune system, which can lead to joint pain, fatigue, and damage to the blood vessels,” says Scott Zashin, MD, clinical professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

The bottom line?  Results may vary.  But the first step is taking the initiative to realize that, just maybe, your productivity levels – or lack of – could be due to your diet.  Hopefully our tips above – and the research provided – will help you realize that not all increased productivity is due to increased caffeine consumption.

Custom Envelopes and Stationary | Innovative Office Solutions

As you look at your admin budgets for 2015 – take a look at what you’re currently doing to save you money – and how could you increase savings during 2015.  Let Innovative Office Solutions be a resource in your search for lowering business costs in 2015!

Standard envelops are, well, standard.  Your company doesn’t stand out much with a standard envelope.  Customized envelopes are more difficult to come by, and companies willing to work with you on customizing your envelopes are equally hard to find.  Until now!

Are you looking for a certain type of envelope?  Whatever the shape, look, color – Innovative Office Solutions has 100’s of types of envelopes to suit your company’s needs.  Sizes of envelopes we can provide range from 4 6’3/8″ to 4 3/8 by 5, and the types of envelopes we can provide range even more.

Anything from invitation envelopes, to window envelopes, to envelopes with flaps on the bottom – basically, folding flaps any way you can think of.  Did we mention all the color options we have?  It’s hard to narrow them down our second-to-none selection.

 

The levels of stock we provide can range from standard white stock to different premium grade papers.  Different window options are available as well – ranging from different sizes to different window positions.  Whatever the occasion, Innovative Office Solutions has the perfect envelope layout and design for you.

 

Based on all we can provide, it’s clear that Innovative Office Solution is your solution for upgraded business stationary, envelopes, and letterhead.  Whatever your print needs may be, know that your hometown team – Innovative Office Solutions – can do it for you efficiently and on-time.

Contact Bob Galetka our Print Specialist at 952-698-9115 for more information.

 

Randy Shaver Cancer Research & Community Fund | Minnesota Wild Charity of the Month

Innovative Office Solutions is the proud sponsor of the Charity of the Month program in partnership with the Minnesota Wild. The program brings exposure to a different Minnesota Charity each month throughout the NHL season.  The Minnesota Wild Charity of the Month for November 2014 is The Randy Shaver Cancer Research & Community Fund.

The mission of the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund is to support funding research, prevention, treatment and other programs relating to the needs of the Minnesota cancer community.  Grants given are spent on technology and tools that enhance early detection of cancer, new programs promoting research to help prevent cancer relapses, projects that demonstrate research in the area of cancer, and programs that enhance the lives of Minnesota’s cancer community by providing aid and assistance.

Making an Impact in the Classroom…Soccer Style

Not everyday do kids get the chance to interact with professional soccer players. Innovative Office Solutions teamed up with MN United FC and provided schools in the metro area an opportunity to learn from some of the best! Not only did the children learn soccer skills and interact with the players, but they also became knowledgeable on how to eat right and live a healthy lifestyle. The students gained insight on the importance of working hard and staying academically focused.  Check out some of the schools we attended!

Chaska Elementary with professional soccer player – Greg Jordan 

 

Red Pine Elementary with professional soccer player – Nate Polak 

 

 

Harvest Preparatory with professional player-Christian Ramirez 

 

Check out our website Innovative Office Solutions and see how we can make your workplace more productive!

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Simple Office Changes Help Increase Hygiene | Innovative Office Solutions

It’s that time of year again – flu season.  It may seem like whatever you do to prevent the flu, you somehow always get sick.  But – could it be – that you’re not being germ-conscious in the right places?

This blog post is timely not only for flu season approaching – but due to recent epidemics spreading across the globe.  The more familiar you are with cleanliness best practices, the more well informed you’ll be when it comes to germs.  The more conscious you are when it comes to these issues – the healthier you and your family will be during the entire year.

One product we’d especially like to showcase here – one we have in our office, in fact – is the SmartStock® Utensil Dispenser.

 

With one pull of the red lever, a utensil of your choice is dispensed – doing away with multiple hands rummaging through a box of plasticware.  A device like this – especially used in an office setting – may greatly reduce the amount of germs spread at the workplace, and keep folks healthier for longer periods of time.

Further Benefits and Features Include:

• Each dispenser holds up to 120 utensil pieces
• Promotes good hygiene – the enclosed design helps protect from contaminants
• Reduced Consumption – One-at-a-time dispensing reduces cutlery usage on average by 29% and up to 49% vs. open bins.*
• Speeds up restocking – just load the refill, insert, rip, pull, and your done in seconds
• Frees up valuable counter space – sized just right to keep things looking neat and organized

For more information on this – and other hygienic products – visit our Innovative Office Solutions website or contact Customer Care 952.808.9900 for more info!

*Independent research commissioned by Georgia-Pacific

And just how dirty are everyday devices and surfaces?

http://www.foxbusiness.com/on-air/willis-report/videos#p/157870/v/3825980639001