Dicks and Company Basics | Work Well Blog

September 1, 2023

Printing Etiquette in Shared Office Spaces

When multiple colleagues are using the same resources, it's important to maintain a considerate and efficient environment for everyone. One area where etiquette often comes into play is printing. Read on for some best practices for printing at the office to ensure smooth operations and positive relationships among coworkers.

Choose Your Printer Wisely:

If there are multiple printers available, choose the one that's closest to your desk. This helps prevent unnecessary congestion around certain printers and reduces the chances of documents being picked up by the wrong person.

Use Print Preview:

Previewing your document before printing can save resources and prevent errors. This simple step allows you to catch formatting issues, unnecessary pages, or errors that might go unnoticed in the printed version.

Collect Print Jobs Promptly:

Once you've sent a document to the printer, try to collect it as soon as it's ready. Leaving documents unattended can lead to confusion and may even result in sensitive information being exposed to unauthorized individuals.

Dispose of Unwanted Prints:

If you accidentally print a document or decide you no longer need a printout, be sure to properly dispose of it. Leaving unwanted prints on the printer tray can cause clutter and confusion.

Respect Others' Printing Time:

If you notice a colleague waiting to print a document, be considerate and allow them to complete their task before you send your own print job.

Follow Printer Guidelines:

If there are specific printing guidelines or rules in place, such as restrictions on color printing or limits on the number of pages, be sure to adhere to them. These guidelines exist to ensure fair usage and prevent resource overuse.

By following these suggestions, you can contribute to a harmonious and productive work environment. Small gestures like being mindful of your printing volume, respecting others' printing time, and promptly collecting your documents can make a significant difference in creating a positive atmosphere for everyone. Remember, a considerate printing approach is an essential part of being a respectful and responsible member of your shared office community.

August 1, 2023

The Ultimate Back-to-School Checklist for Students, Parents, and Teachers

Back to school season is here, and whether you're a student, a parent, or a teacher, you might be feeling excited, nervous, or overwhelmed by the preparations. Don’t worry, we have you covered with the ultimate back to school checklist to help you get ready for the new academic year with ease and confidence.

For Students:

As a student, you want to start the new school year on the right foot. Here are some things to do before and after the first day of school.

Get your supplies: Make sure you have all the essential school supplies for your classes, such as notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, highlighters, report covers, binders, etc.
Organize your workspace: Whether you are studying at home or in the library, you need a clean and comfortable workspace that helps you focus and be productive. Use supplies like desk organizers, file holders, sticky notes, and labels to keep your workspace neat and tidy.
Plan your schedule: Having a clear and realistic schedule will help you manage your time and tasks effectively. Use products like planners, calendars, and timers to plan your daily, weekly, and monthly goals and activities.
Review your syllabus: Before the first day of school, review your syllabus for each class and note down the important dates, assignments, exams, etc. You can also use school supplies like dividers, page markers, and flags to mark the pages of your textbooks and notes.
Make friends: The first day of school is a great opportunity to meet new people. Be friendly, respectful, and open-minded to everyone you encounter.

For Parents:

As a parent, you want to support your child’s learning and well-being. Here are some things you can do for a successful school year.

Shop smart: There’s no need to stress about school supplies; our Best-in-Class Kits have everything you need in one convenient package. Plus, they come with free delivery and labels with your child's name printed on them! Learn more about them here.
Communicate with teachers: Stay in touch with your child’s teachers and keep track of their progress and challenges.
Create a routine: Establish a consistent and healthy routine for your child that includes waking up early, meal times, doing homework, reading books, playing games, and so on.
Encourage learning: Help your child develop a love for learning by providing them with opportunities to explore their interests and passions. You can use books, magazines, puzzles, and crafts to stimulate their curiosity and creativity.
Celebrate achievements: Recognize and reward your child’s efforts and achievements in school and at home.

For Teachers:

As a teacher, you want to create a positive and engaging learning environment for your students. Read on for some tips on how to accomplish this.

Prepare your classroom: Make your classroom inviting and inspiring for your students by decorating it with posters, banners, bulletin boards, etc. You can also use labels, bins, and baskets to organize your classroom materials and resources.
Get to know your students: Learn about your students’ backgrounds, interests, strengths, and weaknesses by conducting surveys, interviews, and icebreakers. You can also use supplies like name tags, badges, and portfolios to personalize your interactions with them.
Establish rules and expectations: Set clear and reasonable rules and expectations for your students’ behavior and performance in the classroom. Posters, verbal reminders, and rubrics are some ways to communicate this with your students.
Build relationships: Foster a sense of community and collaboration among your students by creating opportunities for them to work together and support each other. You can try group projects, games, peer feedback, etc. to build relationships among your students.

We hope this checklist helps you get ready for the new school year with ease and confidence. Remember, we have all the school supplies you need on our website and in our stores. Happy back to school!

July 7, 2023

Unleash the Power of Vibrant Post-it® Notes: Elevate Your Workspace with Colour

Do you want to infuse your office space with an dynamic atmosphere? One way to achieve this is by selecting Post-it® Notes in vivid colours. Not only do these colourful office supplies add a splash of personality to your workspace, but they can also have a positive impact on your mood and productivity. Read on to learn about the power of colour and how selecting the perfect Post-it® Notes can create a refreshing way to work.

Understanding the Psychology of Colours:

Colours have the remarkable ability to evoke specific emotions and influence our state of mind. By understanding the psychology behind different colours, you can strategically incorporate them into your workplace for maximum impact. Here are some popular colours and their psychological effects:

• Sunshine Yellow: Radiating warmth and positivity, yellow stimulates creativity, uplifts moods, and promotes optimism.

• Fresh Green: Symbolizing growth and renewal, green fosters a sense of calmness, harmony, and productivity.

• Sky Blue: Evoking a sense of tranquility and clarity, blue can enhance focus, improve concentration, and instill a sense of trust.

• Fiery Red: Associated with passion and energy, red can evoke strong emotions, increase excitement, and stimulate the senses. Incorporating red into your workplace can add a sense of urgency and grab attention.

• Mysterious Purple: Symbolizing luxury and creativity, purple stimulates imagination, encourages innovation, and can create a sense of sophistication and elegance.

• Vibrant Orange: Known for its warmth and enthusiasm, orange can inspire creativity, increase enthusiasm, and promote social interaction. Adding orange to your workplace can create a lively and energetic atmosphere.

• Gentle Pink: Pink can create a calming and soothing effect. It is known to promote feelings of nurturing and compassion. Incorporating pink into your workplace can create a softer and more delicate atmosphere, making it suitable for environments that require a gentle touch or a sense of relaxation.

Incorporating Vibrant Post-it® Notes:

Now that we know the impact of colours on our emotions, let's explore how Post-it® Notes can transform your office space into a summer haven:

• Colour-Coded Organization: Assign different colours of Post-it® Notes to various tasks or categories. For instance, use yellow for urgent tasks, green for project planning, and blue for important reminders. This visual organization system promotes efficiency and helps you stay on top of your responsibilities.

• Mood-Boosting Reminders: Place Post-it® Notes with positive affirmations or inspirational quotes around your workspace. These uplifting messages in lively colours act as gentle reminders to stay motivated and maintain a positive mindset during busy workdays.

• Collaborative Creativity: During brainstorming sessions or team meetings, provide employees with an array of colourful Post-it® Notes. Encourage them to jot down ideas or feedback on individual notes and then arrange them together, creating a visually appealing and collaborative display of thoughts and suggestions.

• Visualize Progress: Create a visual representation of your goals and progress. Assign a specific colour to each milestone or achievement and track your advancement by moving the Post-it® Notes from one area to another. This method provides a clear visual reminder of your accomplishments and motivates you to reach new heights.

Using colourful Post-it® Notes in your office space can truly work wonders for boosting productivity and uplifting moods. So go ahead and let the many colours of Post-it® Notes inspire you and create an environment that invigorates your workdays and enhances your overall well-being!

June 8, 2023

Safeguarding Your Valuable Files: Best Practices for Secure File Storage

In today's digital age, the importance of storing and safeguarding our important files cannot be emphasized enough. From personal documents to business records, photos, and more, the loss or compromise of such files can have serious consequences. Below you’ll find some of the most effective ways to store your important files, ensuring their safety, accessibility, and longevity.

1. Backup, Backup, Backup:

The golden rule of file storage is to always have multiple backups. Relying on a single storage device or location can be risky. Invest in an external hard drive, cloud storage services, or use a combination of both. Regularly backup your files to these alternate locations to minimize the risk of data loss in case of hardware failure, theft, or natural disasters.

2. Utilize Cloud Storage:

Cloud storage services offer convenient and secure options for storing your files. Many platforms such provide ample storage space, automatic syncing across devices, and robust security measures. Encrypt your files before uploading them to the cloud for an added layer of protection. Remember to choose reputable and trustworthy providers with strong data privacy policies.

3. Encrypt Your Files:

Encryption is an essential practice to ensure the privacy and security of your files. Utilize encryption tools or software to protect sensitive data. Encryption converts your files into unreadable formats, requiring a decryption key to access the content. This way, even if unauthorized individuals gain access to your files, they won't be able to decipher them without the encryption key.

4. Use Password Protection:

Employing strong passwords is a fundamental step in securing your files. Choose unique and complex passwords for your storage devices, cloud storage accounts, and encrypted files. Avoid using easily guessable information and consider using a password manager to generate and store your passwords securely.

5. Consider Offline Storage:

For the most critical files, offline storage options like external hard drives, USB flash drives, or even physical copies can provide an additional layer of protection. Store these offline backups in secure locations, such as a locked safe or an off-site facility. This strategy safeguards your files from potential online threats and ensures accessibility even when internet connectivity is limited.

6. Regularly Update and Maintain:

To maintain the integrity of your files, keep your storage devices, software, and operating systems up to date. Regularly install updates and security patches to fix vulnerabilities and protect against emerging threats. Additionally, periodically check the health of your storage devices and replace any aging or malfunctioning hardware.

7. Organize and Archive:

Maintaining an organized file structure is essential for easy retrieval and long-term management. Categorize your files into folders and label them appropriately. Consider archiving old or infrequently accessed files to reduce clutter and streamline your storage systems. Regularly review and delete unnecessary files to optimize storage space and reduce the risk of accidental disclosure.

Safeguarding your important files requires a comprehensive approach that includes redundancy, encryption, secure storage options, and regular maintenance. By implementing the best practices outlined above, you can minimize the risk of data loss, unauthorized access, and other potential threats. Remember, investing time and effort in secure file storage is a small price to pay compared to the potential consequences of losing valuable information. Prioritize file security today and enjoy peace of mind knowing your important files are well-protected.

June 1, 2023

Exploring the Advantages of Printed Material vs. Digital

In an increasingly digitized world, where screens dominate our daily lives, there is something undeniably captivating about the tactile experience of printed material. While digital communication has undoubtedly revolutionized how we connect and consume information, it is essential to recognize the enduring benefits of printed material. Why is it that printed material continues to hold a special place in our hearts? Hear are seven unique advantages it offers.

1. Unlike digital content, printed material allows for a sensory experience; it is tangible and engaging. The weight of a magazine in your hands or the texture of a well-crafted business card creates a connection that goes beyond the virtual realm. Printed material engages multiple senses, invoking emotions and leaving a lasting impression on readers.

2. In a world where anyone can create digital content, printed material holds a certain level of credibility. Physical materials, such as books or reports, undergo rigorous editing and review processes, giving them an air of authority. Printing instills trust in readers and can elevate the perceived value of the information presented.

3. Our online environment is filled with pop-up ads, notifications, and clickable links, so it's easy to get side-tracked from the intended message. Printed material offers a respite from the constant barrage of digital interruptions. With no hyperlinks or flashing banners vying for attention, physical documents allow readers to focus on the content at hand, fostering deeper engagement and understanding.

4. Printed material does not require an internet connection or a specific device to access. It can be enjoyed anywhere, at any time, without the need for battery life. This accessibility ensures that the message is not dependent on technological barriers, making it available to a broader audience.

5. Printed material has been proven to have a stronger impact on memory retention compared to digital content. Research shows that people tend to retain information better when they read it on paper rather than on a screen. The tactile experience of physically turning pages and visually engaging with printed material creates stronger neural connections, resulting in improved recall.

6. Printed material allows for highly targeted and personalized communication strategies. Direct mail campaigns, for example, can be tailored to specific demographics, delivering targeted messages to the right audience. Personalization techniques, such as variable data printing, enable the inclusion of individualized elements, such as names or customized offers, further enhancing the impact and relevance of the communication.

7. Printed material offers limitless possibilities for creative expression and brand reinforcement. The use of high-quality paper, captivating imagery, and thoughtful design can elevate the aesthetic appeal of printed material, creating a visually engaging experience for readers. This visual impact reinforces brand identity and fosters a sense of authenticity and professionalism.

While digital communication undoubtedly brings convenience and speed to our lives, it is crucial not to overlook the enduring value of printed material. From its tangible and engaging nature to its credibility, reduced distractions, and enhanced memorability, printed material offers a unique set of benefits that cannot be replicated in the digital realm. By incorporating printed materials into our communication strategies, we can create more meaningful connections and engage our audience in a way that resonates on a deeper level.

May 1, 2023

Write on! What Your Favourite Style of Pen Says About You

Have you ever thought about what your favourite style of pen says about your personality? Believe it or not, the pen you choose to write with can reveal a lot about your style and disposition. In this post, we'll explore some of the most popular styles of pens and what they say about you.

Gel Pen:

If you love gel pens, chances are you're someone who values creativity and self-expression. You're not afraid to try new things and enjoy taking risks. You likely have a playful, imaginative personality and enjoy exploring new ideas and concepts.

Fountain Pen:

Fountain pen enthusiasts are often seen as sophisticated and cultured. You appreciate the finer things in life and enjoy indulging in luxury experiences. You have a refined taste and pay attention to details. You're likely someone who values tradition and craftsmanship.

Ball Point Pen:

Ball point pen fans tend to be practical and efficient. You value function over form and are always looking for ways to streamline processes and get things done more efficiently. You're not one for needless frills or fancy details and prefer a simple, straightforward approach to things.

Rollerball Pen:

Rollerball pen aficionados are often creative, expressive, and detail oriented. You appreciate quality and value craftsmanship, but also enjoy a good pop of colour or a unique design. You're likely someone who enjoys the process of creating and are always looking for ways to add your personal touch to everything you do.

Marker Pen:

If you're a fan of marker pens, you're likely someone who values boldness and confidence. You enjoy making a statement and aren't afraid to speak your mind. You're likely a natural leader who enjoys taking charge and making decisions.

Whether you prefer the practicality of a ballpoint pen or the luxury of a fountain pen, there's a style of pen out there that's perfect for you. So, the next time you reach for your favourite pen, take a moment to think about what it says about you and embrace the qualities that make you exceptional.

April 7, 2023

Support Your Local Economy: Why Shopping at Locally Owned Businesses Is Beneficial

We're proud to be a locally owned and operated office supplies business in Newfoundland and Labrador. We know that shopping from local businesses is beneficial to both the economy and the community, and we’re happy to share why.

When you shop from a locally owned business like ours, you’re keeping your money in your local market. That means your purchase is helping to create and sustain jobs in the community. In addition, when you shop local, you’re helping to support local initiatives and organizations, such as charities and non-profits. Many local businesses donate a portion of their profits to local initiatives and organizations or offer discounts and special deals for non-profits. By shopping local, you’re helping to ensure that these vital programs and services remain available to the community.

Shopping locally also helps to keep your city/town vibrant. Local businesses often have unique offerings that you won’t find in big-box stores. This helps to make a unique, interesting place to live.

Finally, shopping locally helps to build relationships between customers and businesses, and between businesses and the community. When you shop from a local business, you’re likely to have a more personalized shopping experience. You’ll get to know the business owners and employees, and they’ll get to know you. This helps to create a stronger sense of community, as well as a sense of responsibility to the community.

At Dicks and Company Basics, we know that shopping locally is good for everyone involved, and we appreciate your support! Thanks for choosing to shop with us.

April 1, 2023

Reduce Your Environmental Footprint and Save Money with Remanufactured Printer Cartridges!

If you're looking for an eco-friendly and wallet-friendly way to reduce your environmental impact, using remanufactured printer cartridges is definitely worth considering. Not only does it help to reduce landfill waste by giving cartridges a new lease of life, but it also conserves energy and water, and reduces carbon emissions.

Did you know that it can take up to 1,000 years for printer cartridges to decompose in landfills? By opting for remanufactured cartridges made from recycled materials, you can help to reduce the amount of waste that ends up there. Plus, manufacturing new cartridges requires a lot of energy, while remanufactured ones require significantly less. By choosing to use remanufactured cartridges, you're doing your part to conserve energy and reduce your carbon footprint.

But that's not all. The production of new printer cartridges also requires a significant amount of water, while remanufactured ones require substantially less. By using remanufactured cartridges, you're helping to conserve water resources as well.

Not only is using remanufactured cartridges great for the environment, but it can also save you money. They're typically less expensive than new cartridges, so you're not only reducing your environmental impact but also your printing costs.

All in all, choosing to use remanufactured printer cartridges is a win-win for both your wallet and the environment. So, why not give it a try and see the benefits for yourself? Check out our selection of Basics® Brand remanufactured cartridges here > .

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