ToughJobs may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

5 Essential items for office parties

By BethAnn Mayer Published February 14, 2022

Productivity is crucial at the office, but so is building chemistry. An office party can be a way to bond without looking at spreadsheets or talking shop.

Happy hours are a popular way to spend time with colleagues outside of the office, but having a few items in-house can allow you to raise a glass as soon as the clock strikes 5. Parties don’t have to involve alcohol, either. There are plenty of options for booze-free parties whether you’re a dry office (no shame), are supporting a colleague in sobriety, or simply want to have fun in a different way. Dessert soirees and cheese and charcuterie nights make for delicious options.

Office parties serve as a way to get to know one another outside of the 9-to-5(ish) grind. People can let loose and let their guards down a bit, and it can build chemistry within the business. Happy hours are a tried-and-true option, and for a good reason — they’re fun. Cocktail shakers and whiskey stones set the stage for a buzz-worthy affair. However, alcohol-free options are also on the table. Serve up a delicious cheese and charcuterie board with multiple options to expand your staff’s palettes, or play to their sweet tooths with a cake even when it’s no one’s birthday. Make it fun and creative, and your employees will be toasting to you.

Topics

Office management

Contributor

Beth Ann's work has appeared on healthline.com and parents.com. In her spare time, you can find her running (either marathons…

Operations

How to organize a file cabinet

Individual going through file cabinet

One of the keys to being a smart and successful business owner is organization. Knowing how to organize a file cabinet in the workplace is something to make a top priority. The best way to organize a file cabinet is to ensure you have key files in a central location for those who need to access it and that it's in an orderly manner. Let's take a look at some helpful tips to get you on your way to file organization.

Get the right file cabinet
Depending on what your office looks like and how long you've been there, you may or may not have a filing cabinet in place. Your cabinet of choice needs protection from unapproved access, fire, and water damage. If the file cabinet is for sensitive papers, keep it in an area only you and anyone with permission can access. You can use a standard key lock or one with a code to gain entry.

Operations

3 different types of folders every office needs

Individual going through files

Having an efficient office to run your business from is essential. Not only do you need the right people working for you, but you need the right resources to keep things organized. And if you keep hard copies of paperwork, the right file folders are crucial.

While organizing your office, you need to have different types of file folders to help you and your employees be more productive. Take a look at the three types of folders every office needs and decide which ones will help keep your office the most organized.

Operations

Ink vs. toner: What’s the difference?

Office worker using a printer

Have you asked yourself in running your business, "Is toner the same as ink?" If you don't know the answer, you'll want to discover the difference between ink and toner to ensure you purchase the correct office supplies for your machine. Given the importance of a printer at work, learning the difference will not only help you change the cartridges when it's time, but also help you ensure your device is always working to the best of its ability.

What is the difference between ink and toner?
Knowing the difference between ink and toner will help you more easily get the job done when printing needs arise at work. The biggest difference between ink and toner is that ink in an inkjet printer is dye-based and toner in a laser printer is pigment-based. Another very notable difference is that inkjet printers output at a much slower rate than laser printers with toner. Additionally, the quality of laser prints with toner is much higher than with ink prints. Though ink is a more costly way to go, what you save in money, you'll spend in quality.
What is an ink cartridge?
Ink cartridges come in inkjet printers, and this type of cartridge contains dye-based ink, which is liquid. This liquid ink sprays onto the surface of the paper. Most inkjet printers use black ink cartridges for the standard text you see in workplace printed documents, such as memos and invoices. If you're looking to print photos with your inkjet printer, you need the other three colors of ink cartridges to go with your black cartridge.