You’ve made it through another 365 days at the office. Are you ready for the next round? Before you start writing January dates on all of your business correspondence, map out a few New Year’s resolutions for work.

The American Psychological Association says the key to making these ideas work is by starting small, making changes one at a time, asking for help, sharing your accomplishments with others, and remembering that you are a work in progress. Never down talk to yourself for taking a step backward or not meeting a goal. As long as you’re moving forward overall, every small step counts!

Workplace Changes to Make in 2018

After you’re done vowing to help wash dishes in the break room, and limit yourself to one piece of cake per office celebration, get down to business with these productivity-focused New Year’s resolutions for work that will boost your 9-to-5 happiness and creative output.

1. Be on time, every time

Reduce stress and anxiety by being early to a meeting or conference session. You’ll gain a few minutes to network and settle in, which reduces stress and sets you up for an attentive meeting. Set an alarm on your cell phone and notification on your digital calendar as added reminders.

2. Try a new problem-solving approach

We know that staring at a computer screen when you’re stuck just doesn’t work. This year, take a new approach to problem-solving. Get up and go for a walk. Or, close your eyes and meditate. When the boss asks what you’re doing, say, “Brainstorming solutions for X.” You’ll earn brownie points for honesty!

3. Share a daily compliment

Find the positive in whatever is going on at the office, even on the most stressful days. Whether you share kind words with your cubicle mate about her new hairstyle or feel bold and speak up to a superior about an idea of theirs you admire, talking about good things brings the positive energy level up a notch in the office.

4. Audit your workflow

Take a peek at your calendar and see where your time leaks and how much time you realistically need for specific ongoing tasks. Tighten up your workflow (or revamp it if you’ve been following the same routine for years) to coincide with your most productive, energetic moments. It doesn’t make sense to leave your toughest tasks for 4 PM!

5. Learn from others

Make it a point each week to observe a project or task someone else is doing and learn more about it. How does it feed into your role and tasks? Can you do anything differently to make their job duties run smoother? Think beyond your work responsibilities to get a better overall understanding of your company as a whole.

6. Address your weakness

We all have one. Do you keep trying to make time to follow-up with clients, but it always gets put on the back burner? Have you been lax about filling out weekly reports? Consciously figure out how to integrate these duties into your day so they no longer get left behind.

To get in the right mindset for achieving your New Year’s resolutions for work, restock your desk with personalized note cards, stationery, and sticky notes. Browse PaperDirect today!

The holidays can come quicker than expected, often leaving us with the need to scramble for last-minute holiday gifts. The good news is you don’t have to battle the crowds while you’re shopping. In fact, you don’t have to leave the couch at all! You can instead head to your computer or smartphone and pick out one of these magnificent last-minute holiday gifts you can buy online.

Subscriptions

This category encompasses a whole slew of incredible last-minute gift ideas that go far beyond traditional magazines. Consider gift subscriptions to:

• Gourmet baskets or goodies that come every month for the savvy gourmand
• Monthly boxes containing dog toys and treats for the dedicated dog owner
• Museum memberships for the art and history buffs
• Premium or paid versions of their favorite apps or services, such as Spotify for music lovers, Netflix for movie and TV fans, or Amazon Prime for savvy shoppers.

Charitable Donations

Charitable donations made in your recipient’s name are the perfect choice for your philatrophic friends. Your choice of organization is as wide as your imagination. Go for a global fund dedicated to wildlife or nature preservation for your big-hearted outdoorsy pals. Choose a local shelter at which your mindful friends may already volunteer.

Audiobooks and E-books

The gift of reading never goes out of style, and you can provide it in a snap by choosing an audiobook or e-book that your recipient would love. From enticing fiction to self-help and spiritual betterment, your selection of topics is enormous. Most books these days offer at least an e-book option, while many are also available in audiobook format. The latter can be particularly perfect for friends with long commutes to work.

When the books are delivered electronically, some sellers even let you pick the date your gift will show up in your recipient’s inbox.

Gift Cards

Even if it seems like all other last-minute holiday gifts are doomed to fail for a specific recipient, gift cards rarely do. All you need to know is where your recipient likes to shop or the types of items they regularly buy, then head over to the website and purchase a gift card. Many companies offer an online gift card purchase option, and you can always ask smaller businesses if they’re open to accommodating one if the option is not listed on their site.

Of course, these gifts are best presented when they’re enclosed in customized greeting cards, which you can also purchase online. Head to PaperDirect for a dazzling selection of holiday greeting cards and labels that can add a spectacular finishing touch to your last-minute holiday gifts.

No matter where you work, you likely know the value of a boss who works hard and always looks out for their team. If you’re fortunate enough to have a leader that you’re proud to work with, then why not celebrate how awesome they are with one of these holiday gifts for your boss?

Whether you’re looking for a small token to show your gratitude or a larger gift to say thanks, you’ll find the perfect holiday gift for your boss below!

A Gift Certificate to a Local Lunch Place

Even a great boss has to pick up some lunch, so get him or her a gift certificate to a local hotspot.

A Customized Pen

Get your boss a great pen with a customized logo and color – personalize it with their name or the name of your company.

A Simple Thank You Note

You would utterly amazed how much your manager will appreciate a sincere thank you note. Convey how much their work means to you, and you can’t go wrong.

A Certificate of Achievement

Let your boss know that you appreciate their effort with a framed “World’s Best Boss” certificate that they can hang on their wall.

Custom Post-It Notes

Let your boss leave his or her mark all over the office with a collection of sticky notes that have been crafted specifically for them.

A Trophy

Oh sure, it might be a little silly, but an engraved trophy for their efforts can be a fun way to express your appreciation of a great manager.

A Clever Lapel Pin

Got a boss with a flair for fashion? Check out PaperDirect’s assortment of clever lapel pins and let them wear your compliment in style.

A Box of Chocolates

Say thank you with chocolates. It’s hard to go wrong with an assorted pack of truffles or an artisanal bar of chocolate – your boss will love a chocolate snack as an afternoon pick-me-up!

No matter your boss’ style, you’ll find the tons of options to show them your thanks over the holidays on PaperDirect.com. Shop our range of holiday gift options today!

Holiday cheer quickly fades when you’re bumping elbows with tense shoppers at understaffed stores, creating dinner party plans to meet five different dietary needs, and finishing up travel plans on a small budget.

Fortunately, holiday stress doesn’t have to ruin the season. You can avoid holiday stress by keeping a positive mindset, taking a few shortcuts, and having a little fun when tackling the tasks on your seasonal to-do list. Here’s how you can get it all done, without an Ebenezer Scrooge attitude.

Shopping for Gifts

If you haven’t already adopted online shopping, do it now. Browsing gift ideas from a laptop in your pajamas is less stressful than wading through a sea of people at overcrowded shopping malls. As a bonus, presents show up at your door in shipping boxes that make them easier to wrap.

Planning Holiday Meals

Nobody expects you to make every dish from scratch using your great grandma’s recipes. Instead, focus on one over-the-top homemade dessert or unique family-favorite side dish. Then, cater the rest or pick up a pre-packaged meal from your local grocery store. You could also host a potluck meal and ask your guests to bring their favorite family recipe to share. Spend your extra time sipping a holiday libation!

Creating Travel Plans

Tis’ the season for deals and travel companies want your business. Take a few minutes to look at coupon sites online to find the cheapest flights, hotels, and rental cars to alleviate financial stress. Pro tip: If you can book all three at once, you’ll usually get a lower price overall or bonus loyalty program points, making your next travel package cheaper!

Writing Christmas Cards

Streamline your holiday card writing process. Start a database with names and addresses, then update it each year. Use this to print address labels from your computer. Keep your greetings short and sweet! If you have a lot to say and share similar news with everyone on your card list, type up a letter, print it on holiday-themed paper, and tuck it inside each holiday card. Add some well wishes and a signature, and your cards are ready for stamps and mailing!

Are you ready to stock up on holiday cards, festive papers, and seasonal address labels? Let us send it to your front door! Browse Paper Direct’s Christmas store online today.