“Can I please borrow a pen?”
As the world continues to progress further into the digital age, the idea of stationery seems to be more primitive than progressive. But you'd be surprised as to how often you reach for such supplies during the day.
From pens and notebooks to old-school classics like hole punchers, we’re listing all the essential office stationery items to keep your workplace running smoothly and efficiently.
Why Is Stationery Important In The Workplace?
While corporate life can be dynamic, with most tasks taking place on computers and electronic devices, there are still a few jobs that require us to go back to the basics, like the conventional pen and paper.
Furthermore, file folders, binders, and desk organizers help keep important documents and workspaces organized, making it easy to access information efficiently and stimulating productivity.
So, what are some of the must-have stationery items office spaces must have?
1. Paper:
Paper is unquestionably an essential that reigns supreme on the list of must-have stationery items in an office. Whether it’s to print out documents or scribble down notes, paper/notepad is a non-negotiable must-have.
2. Desk Organizers:
Organization is the key to getting work done right! Efficiency stems from organization; therefore, having a good old-fashioned desk organizer to store office supplies on tables while keeping the tops neat is a must.
3. Pens & Pencils:
No office is complete without pens and pencils. They are fundamental stationery items that we have all become accustomed to since we began to write. Moreover, being able to write our thoughts out on pieces of paper is essential for productivity. Therefore, having an endless supply of them in the office is a must. And let’s face it, everyone loses their pens.
4. Staplers:
All workplaces need two types of staplers - the normal ones that we are all familiar with and heavy-duty staplers.
You see dear reader, normal staplers can only get through 4-5 pieces of paper without jamming up, making them useful for everyday work. But what about the days when you’ve got larger stacks? That’s where heavy-duty staplers come in. They are the only stationery items that will work for large stacks of documents.
5. Hole Punchers:
While this may seem extremely outdated, you’d be surprised at how many offices still file important documents in binders. The only way to get consistent holes through large quantities of paper is with the help of a hole puncher.
6. Highlighters:
Highlighters are an office favorite. They make reading through large paragraphs less mundane and allow people to emphasize the important bits of information.
7. Notebooks:
Anyone can agree that notebooks are extremely useful. Whether taking notes during meetings, brainstorming ideas, or simply organizing thoughts and tasks, notebooks are indispensable tools for productivity and creativity.
8. Heavy Duty Paper Cutter:
A pair of scissors just isn’t going to cut it.
In this day and age, work is all about efficiency. Gone are the days of using a simple pair of scissors or a ruler to cut or trim paper. Not only does it end up with ragged edges but we also waste a lot of time trying to get the alignments correct.
9. Cable Organizers & Clips:
From phone and laptop chargers to extension cords and lamp wires, we have all faced our fair share of tangled cords. With a myriad of options available, finding the right cable organizer can take a chaotic mess and turn it into a tidy workspace, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.
10. Post-It Notes:
Sticky notes are the underdogs of stationery. It’s often underutilized. We forget the numerous possibilities of its usage. And, if we’re being honest, people mainly buy them for aesthetic reasons.
However, they are quite valuable in our everyday lives. We all have deadlines that we need to meet, pending tasks that need to be completed, or simply reminders for upcoming meetings. And while we may write them down in planners or have them integrated into our digital calendars, writing them down on sticky notes ensures that they are always within our eyesight, ensuring we don’t forget them.
11. Whiteboards & Markers
Teamwork is the foundation for building a strong and healthy work environment. Having a space with a whiteboard encourages employees to work together and brainstorm ideas that ultimately help grow the company while also allowing them to visualize their ideas.