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July 17, 2018

4 Cool Giveaways for Your Next Corporate Event

Filed under: Event Planning Tips — Tags: , , , , — Megan Duffy @ 3:43 pm
giveaways for corporate events

While corporate events can run the gamut from casual staff parties to more formal luncheons, they all have one thing in common. They can be better attended and loads of fun if you come up with a slate of exciting giveaways for attendees. Cool giveaways for corporate events not only add interest and enjoyment to the event, but they let people go home with extra perks that show how much they’re appreciated.

Need some giveaway ideas to offer at your next event? Here are four prizes the crowd is sure to love, and tips on how to get them excited about the giveaway.

Cool Giveaways for Your Next Corporate Event

Gift Certificates: Whether you pick a gift card from a nearby favorite restaurant or a popular store, gift certificates never go out of style. They let employees select a purchase or meal that suits their exact tastes.

Spa Days: Check out what kind of vouchers for services your local spas offer for a perk that benefits employees as well as your overall company. Employees get a chance to kick back, relax, and rejuvenate, and then return to work with a revitalized body and mind.

fill-in-the-blank gift certificate

Company Swag: Notebooks, tote bags, tumblers, lanyards, and other swag sporting the company logo make for cool giveaways at corporate events for their versatility. Go for smaller swag, and you can make sure everyone in attendance goes home with a gift. Go for more substantial items if you want to include a few as grand prizes.

Goodie Baskets: Baskets packed with goodies are another idea for cool giveaways at corporate events, again for their versatility. Stick with traditional baskets cascading with fruit, candies, and snacks, or create themed baskets stocked with any variety of different items. Themes can include office and work-related goodies, games and puzzles, or health and fitness items.

Ideas for Making Giveaways Exciting

While the smaller company swag can go to everyone in attendance, you can come up with exciting ways to choose the recipients of the more substantial gifts.

raffle giveaways for corporate events

Raffle: Raffles can be a blast, with raffle tickets handed out to people as they enter the event. Raffles are quite good at holding people’s attention, so schedule them near the end of the event to ensure everyone sticks around.

Other Games of Chance: Raffles are fun because recipients are left up to chance, and there are a few other ideas in that same category. Contestants can be asked to draw straws, pick cards, or even engage in a round of tabletop Wheel of Fortune with your own set of prizes inserted as options on the wheel.

Games of Skill: Competitions are another way to dole out your corporate event prizes, and you have a wide range of options. Trivia games, company fact games, and spelling bees are a few ways to pick out your top winners.

Whether you’re raffling off a spa day or answering trivia questions to win a gift basket, employees will appreciate the extra show of appreciation that cool giveaways for corporate events can bring. Shop PaperDirect for your office giveaway, gift, and stationery needs.

July 10, 2018

The Essential Guide on How to Host a Networking Event

Filed under: Event Planning Tips — Megan Duffy @ 11:12 am

how to host a networking event

It’s time to host your company’s first networking event to nurture those valuable connections among your staff, industry colleagues, valued customers, and potential clients. Here’s our essential guide to planning a fun, productive networking event – let’s get started!

The Perfect Place

You’ve heard that location is everything. When you’re hosting a networking event, it needs to be somewhere comfortable, easy to find, and central to your attendees.

We love the idea of a renting space on a hotel’s rooftop garden, in a restaurant’s private dining room, or at the meeting space in a museum. Of course, more traditional conference centers and hotel reception rooms are equipped for networking events, too.

When calling potential venues, be sure to ask:

  • What’s your maximum occupancy?
  • What does the room rental include? (Ex. catering discounts, use of audio/video system, tables/chairs, set-up and tear down, etc.)
  • What dates are available?
  • What’s the total cost including deposits, rental fees, and cleaning charges?

If one of the calls wows you, visit before locking in a date. A website video tour may look fabulous, but once you step foot into the location, you might notice a musty aroma from old carpet or discover the lobby is under construction, creating an eye-sore for your guests.

The Party Supplies

After you have the location settled, it’s time to channel your inner event planner and think of all the extras you need to have on-site to keep the networking guests energized and chatting.

Here are a few ideas to discuss with your planning team:

  • Name badges
  • Event programs
  • Notepads and pens
  • Beverages (water, alcohol, soda)
  • Hors-d’oeuvres (buffet or servers)
  • Prizes for games (certificates, trophies, gift cards)
  • Playlist or live band
  • Decor for tables (florals, signs)

Depending on the size of the event, consider making goodie bags for each attendee. These may include free swag from your company or gifts from sponsors in addition to an event program and the attendee’s name tag.

The Event Promotion

Now it’s time to let your guests know about the big day. First, decide if the event is invite-only or if you want to open it to the public. Then, share the news via flyers, social media, and emails.

To add a personal touch, invite VIPs to networking events by writing invitations by hand and dropping them in the mail. Or, send the note with a bouquet or snack delivery to their office to make a lasting impression.

The Event Games

Everything is set and you’re ready to get the party started. But, how? We love the idea of using icebreaker games to get people to mingle and loosen up.

Play a game of “Match”. Place a sticker on the back of each attendee’s name tag. Each sticker will correspond with another sticker in the room, and the two have to find one another by randomly describing their picture to guests until the match is found.

For example, if your sticker is of a pizza cutter, you might say it’s something that cuts, has a wheel and is used at mealtime. When you find someone who has the pizza sticker, you’ve made a match!

You can also try classic games like team scavenger hunts or two truths and a lie. Consider placing small two-player games like Tic-Tac-Toe or Mad Libs on tables as attendees wait for the event to officially start.

Are you in full-on event planning mode yet? Don’t forget to order name badges, event banners, VIP invitations, stationery for the programs, and prizes for the games. You can find it all online at PaperDirect.

June 26, 2018

How to Integrate Mindfulness Into Your Workplace

Filed under: Helpful Resources — Megan Duffy @ 9:37 am

mindfulness-in-the-workplace

Office managers across the globe focus on creating workplaces free of unnecessary stress and anxiety for their employees. One effective strategy that’s making headlines and dominating workplace training seminars is implementing mindfulness activities into the day. Being mindful, or fully present and aware in the moment, creates a sense of calm and increased awareness.

Why is Mindfulness in the Workplace Important?

With deadlines, projects goals, and office tension weighing down employees each day, it’s important to give them the tools to relieve stress and release negative thoughts and worry. Hello, mindfulness activities!

Science Daily reported on research from Case Western Reserve University that indicates mindfulness in the workplace helps the staff:

  • Improve focus and attention on tasks
  • Manage stressful situations effectively
  • Work productively with others in groups situations or during one-on-one interactions
  • Be more empathetic and compassionate leaders

Would these benefits make a difference in your office culture?

4 Ways to Incorporate Mindfulness into the Workplace

Fostering a more present and focused staff doesn’t require sending each employee to a special training seminar. Instead, try a few of these activities and watch for a shift in workplace satisfaction and mood.

1. Offer lunch break yoga classes. Whether you invite a certified instructor to the boardroom or partner with a nearby studio, hosting free yoga classes will help your staff physically unwind and mentally reset their focus though controlled stretching, breathing exercises, and guided meditation.

Inquire about gentle yoga, chair yoga, or a yin practice to accommodate a range of physical abilities in the office. There are many modifications for those who worry about getting on a yoga mat. If you can close your eyes and breathe, you can do yoga!

2. Create a quiet room. Sometimes we just want to take our afternoon break in a serene area away from ringing phones and office conversations. This getaway room should have a no-cellphone policy and focus on relaxation.

A large fish task to admire, soothing music to encourage meditation, a small library of paperback books to read, a stack of colorful stationery for journaling, windows to look out at nature, and plush furniture that invites relaxing are great touches.

3. Declutter the office. Is it time to do a thorough purge and reorganization? Piles of paperwork, messy desks, and overstuffed offices create anxiety and agitation for some. So, clean up!

Donate unneeded office supplies to a local charity, create an archive for files that don’t need to be readily accessible, and encourage employees to take home the things they don’t use, like that broken bike stashed behind a desk.

4. Schedule weekly creative breaks. Channeling our inner, curious child can help us break up the clutter of stress and tasks that fill our minds. Once a week, plan activities that encourage employees to get cut loose.

Here are some creative ideas you and your employees could do together:

  • Paint rocks as part of The Kindness Rocks Project
  • Build gingerbread houses (then enjoy them with milk)
  • Make homemade unicorn slime to squish for stress relief at desks
  • Dress up with old Halloween costumes and taking silly photos
  • Create vision boards with pictures and words cut out of magazines
  • Completing a fiction writing prompt  

Helping your staff shed the stress of the day through mindfulness opens them up to being more focused on their work tasks and satisfied with their job. If you need to stock up on colorful stationery for writing and drawing projects, browse the PaperDirect online store today.

June 19, 2018

How to Foster Workplace Diversity Through Team Building

Filed under: Helpful Resources — Megan Duffy @ 4:41 pm

foster workplace diversity

Each person on your team brings unique insight and background to the table. Are you embracing it? Actively recognize and foster workplace diversity through team building to boost office productivity, inclusion, and satisfaction.

Why is Diversity Important?

You might wonder why it’s important to promote and celebrate the cultural diversity in your office. Taking the time to understand one another better ultimately leads to improved communication across tasks, projects, and partnerships, both in the office and with remote workers.

This level of empathy and understanding also filters into client outreach, making your business respected for its level of perspective and acceptance of cultural customs and differing languages. In short, your workplace becomes seen as culturally competent, accepting, and educated – a must in the globalized modern business world.

Team Building Ideas for Your Office

The Hult International Business School recommends several ways to promote diversity in the workplace to nurture an open-minded, globally-poised workforce. Combine these strategies with hands-on team activities in the office and a positive dose of employee recognition to foster workplace diversity.

Educate to boost cultural competency. Host team lunches with expert guest speakers who can educate the group on cross-cultural communication methods to be used both in office and with clients. Then, role play to practice what you’ve learned as a team. Reach out to the communications department staff at your local college to get started.

Integrate a global perspective into office communications. Do you have a newsletter, intranet, or active social media feed geared at the staff? Start sharing news headlines and feature stories from abroad to spark interest in global issues, holidays, and lifestyles. This will build your team’s awareness in a subtle way between moments of direct interactions.

Travel to new places. If you’re planning an off-site employee meeting, conference, or team-building retreat, skip the usual gathering spots and instead focus on a location that will start conversations about various cultures, ethnicities, and languages. Try meeting at a niche museum, ethnic restaurant, or historical landmark, and asking the site owners for a tour or background talk before you get started with your work-focused activities.

Expand workplace celebrations. Everyone loves a party! Look at your office calendar and add a few culturally-diverse holidays that you may not have celebrated in the past to help new employees feel included. Office decor, a theme potluck lunch, or sharing an educational video can build the team’s awareness of the holiday while recognizing the special day.

As your office implements these team building ideas, celebrate those who go above and beyond in making a difference in the office culture. This extends both to dedicated activity organizers and enthusiastic team building participants. Browse our recognition certificates and awards online today.

June 14, 2018

Happy International Picnic Day! How to Make Your Office Summer Picnic Awesome

Filed under: Event Planning Tips — Megan Duffy @ 4:26 pm

international picnic day

Summer has tons of reasons to celebrate, and International Picnic Day is one of them. Held every year on June 18, International Picnic Day gives you a prime reason to add some extra oomph to your annual summer company picnic. Whether your picnic is held around the office or outdoors, these ideas can help ensure everyone has a blast.

Hold an Awards Ceremony

Awards are a great way to honor your hardworking employees while adding another layer of fun to an already enjoyable day. You can stick with the more traditional awards, such as Employee of the Month or Best Customer Service awards, or you can create humorous awards.

Ideas for creative awards can include the Janitor Award for the person who is stellar at cleaning up other people’s messes, or the Lady Gaga Award, given to the worker most likely to push the limits on your office dress code.

Have a batch of recognition certificates, trophies, or plaques prepared in advance so they’re ready for their recipients.

Give out Prizes

Similar to awards, prizes also provide recognition for a job well-done. But that job doesn’t necessarily have to be something that’s done at the office. You can give out prizes for winning or excelling at any of the games on the day’s agenda, or have an on-the-spot crowd vote for any number of honors.

Gift cards, company swag, extra vacation days, or drool-worthy gift baskets can all make magnificent prizes people would be eager to win.

Bring in a Guest Speaker

Guest speakers can share valuable knowledge that’s both insightful and entertaining, and you can choose one that wows your company crowd. Invite an industry leader, local hero, or anyone else who can provide an engaging talk at your picnic.

Bring in an Entertainer

Another option for a memorable guest of honor is bringing in an entertainer. The playing field here is wide open, with options that include magicians, face painters and henna artists, caricature artists, and palm readers.  

Play Picnic Games

International Picnic Day would be a bust without a lineup of picnic games. Standard sports, such as volleyball and softball, can make the list, as can lawn games like bocce ball and croquet. Sneak some teambuilding in with games like tug of war or a water balloon toss. Give folks a chance to relax in the shade with trivia games or a few rounds of bingo.

Stage a Talent Show

Let employees show off their amazing talents and skills with a talent show. Give everyone a heads-up a few weeks in advance that this year’s company picnic will include the show so folks have time to prepare and practice their acts. Have prizes on hand for the winners, which can be chosen by a panel of judges or popular vote.

Pick one idea, several ideas, or use these ideas as a springboard to come up with more activities of your own. However it works out, you’ll be sure to spice up your company picnic with enough pizazz to keep make it the highlight of the summer. Visit PaperDirect for creative employee recognition ideas and certificates for your company picnic.

 

June 12, 2018

4 Unique Ways to Recognize Your Remote Employees

Filed under: Employee Recognition Ideas — Tags: , , — Megan Duffy @ 11:39 am
recognize remote employees

Just because remote employees are out of sight doesn’t mean they should be out of mind. Even if they can’t participate in on-site team building and camaraderie events, you can help ensure they aren’t left out or go unrecognized. Make sure they know they’re a valuable part of your organization with these ideas for providing employee recognition for remote teams.

Virtual Bulletin Board

Your in-office bulletin board may be packed with employee updates, kudos, photos, and other fun stuff that enhance business relationships. Take that same bulletin board concept and put it online. Create a space where remote team members can post funny pictures, cartoons, and comments to each other. This type of open forum can help your remote employees feel less isolated and more involved with your company.

Remote Employee Awards and Rewards

Doling out regular awards or rewards can be a spectacular way to provide employee recognition for remote teams. Create a lineup of awards that are for remote workers only and hand them out on a weekly or monthly basis. Get staff involved by having coworkers nominate each other for the awards.

Ideas for Weekly or Monthly Awards:

  • Happiest Remote Worker
  • Most Productive Remote Worker
  • Most Helpful Remote Worker
4-in-1 work from home kit

Ideas for Other Awards:

  • Funniest Remote Worker
  • Easiest Remote Worker to Get on the Phone
  • Toughest Remote Worker to Get on the Phone
  • Remote Worker Most Likely to Be Online 24/7
  • Remote Worker with Most Creative Work Location

Hand out recognition certificates, engraved trophies, or personalized gifts as awards, posting a photo and praise online before you mail the prize to the recipient.

In addition to awards, you can set up a reward system where remote employees earn points for receiving weekly or monthly honors. You can then let them redeem the points for things like gift cards, subscriptions, and memberships.

star acrylic award

Online Recognition Tools

Make it easy for team members and managers alike to publicly recognize and thank remote employees by setting up an online recognition platform for sharing praise and words of encouragement. Establishing an easy way to send e-cards and other personalized messages is another idea that can help workers thank and connect with each other.

Offline Recognition Tools

While e-cards and online recognition platforms are fast and easy, sending handwritten notes and thank you cards can provide a truly personal touch. Keep a few boxes of different thank you cards in stock so managers and coworkers can create and send out personalized praise.

You can keep the good vibes going by also sending out birthday cards or cards marking other important dates, like work anniversaries, to remote team members and in-house employees alike.

balloons confetti notecards

These ideas for providing employee recognition for remote teams can help remote employees feel included, valued, and an integral part of your company. Regularly delivering positive reinforcement to remote employees can go a long way toward making them proud to deliver exceptional work.  Don’t forget to check out PaperDirect for everything you need to recognize and thank your remote team.

May 22, 2018

How to Set Up an Alumni Volunteer Program

Filed under: Recognition & Motivation Ideas — Megan Duffy @ 12:58 pm

alumni volunteer program

Does your school need a few extra helping hands when it comes to fundraisers and event planning? Call on your alumni – literally. Pull up your database of bachelors, masters, and doctoral graduates when structuring your university’s alumni volunteer program.

This dedicated group of university fans brings genuine enthusiasm and first-person authenticity to each project you tackle.

Where Can They Help?

Alumni volunteers quickly connect on a personal level to current students, making them the perfect representatives at college job fairs, student recruitment efforts, college club events and on-campus fundraising activities.

They can also step in and assist with everyday events. Ask your alumni if they want to take tickets at sporting, musical, and theatre events. Alternatively, they can run the snack bar during games and intermissions. They can also be on homecoming or phone-a-thon committees.

Does your university have a mentoring program? Alumni are great at coaching younger students on career path choices, class selection, and preparing for job interviews.

Recruiting Alumni To the Program

Now that you see the value in welcoming past students back to campus, how can you do it? A multi-faceted approach to recruitment will reach the most students.

Here are a few communications to try:

  • Post to the university’s social media accounts
  • Schedule an informational meeting on campus
  • Send personal letters to each person in the mail
  • Mention the alumni volunteer program on the university’s email newsletter
  • Let communications students create television and radio ads
  • Make announcements at university events

Finally, make a few personalized phone calls to key alumni and ask them to come back to campus and help the younger students grow. Emphasize how much you appreciated their contributions while they were enrolled and how they can pass that enthusiasm on to the new group of upcoming graduates.

Celebrate Your Volunteers

Once your program is up and rolling, let your volunteers know how much you admire their dedication to the university. Plan an annual volunteer appreciation event. Whether it’s an on-campus catered picnic or a more formal evening dinner gathering, your gratitude will be loud and clear.

At the event, host an awards ceremony to recognize your long-term and most dedicated alumni volunteers. Present small trophies or awards certificates to mark the occasion. We also love creating photo slideshows of the volunteers in action on campus and recognizing them in the alumni publications to help inspire others to reach out to their alma mater and become part of the college culture once again.

Are you ready to start planning? PaperDirect can help you stock up on small gifts, trophies, and certificates to present to your volunteers. Browse our online store today!

May 14, 2018

5 Outdoor Team Building Activities Your Office Can Do This Summer

Filed under: Office Fun — Megan Duffy @ 2:09 pm

outdoor team building activities

Warmer weather can leave you and your teams itching to get out of the office, a perfect time to schedule a slate of outdoor team building activities. Not only do the activities give everyone a chance to enjoy the summer sunshine, but they can improve communication, build trust, and make work feel like play. Here are five outdoor team building activities for you and your crew to enjoy.

Low-Ropes Course

Unlike a high-ropes course that can leave you dangling up to 50 feet in the air, a low-ropes course sticks much closer to the ground. Low ropes can range anywhere from a seated position on the ground to about 12 feet in the air.

Rope courses task team members with a series of obstacles to overcome, with each challenge tougher than the last. You can book a rope course from companies that specialize in this team-building activity in locations around the U.S. There are even a few companies that will bring low-ropes fun right to your office.

Picnic

An outdoor picnic can double as a team building outing and social event, helping colleagues get to know each other better. Get strategic by arranging a seating plan at picnic tables that mingles people who typically don’t interact.

You can also pepper your picnic with a series of games designed to build trust, enhance communication, or otherwise improve teamwork back at the office.

Outdoor Award Ceremony

Transform your typical award ceremonies into outdoor celebrations by booking a pavilion or simply showing up at a nearby park. Make sure you have plenty of seating room, snacks, and awards on hand.

Keep the focus on teamwork by presenting recognition certificates, trophies, or small gifts to teams of people that worked together to:

  • Complete a challenging project
  • Reach department goals
  • Meet a tight deadline
  • Exceed expectations across the board

Scavenger Hunt

Team scavenger hunts automatically get people working together with the goal of being the first group to find the objects on the list. Compile a list of items your teams can find throughout a neighborhood, hiking trail, or other outdoor areas, and then send them out to take photos of the items. Set up the scavenger hunt yourself, or book one through an app like Stray Boots.

Volunteer Activities

Whether your crew volunteers to walk dogs from a local shelter or help build a local Habitat for Humanity house, working together for a good cause can enhance team member bonding. Check in with your area nonprofits and city organizations to see if they need a hand with any outdoor activities. You can also check out VolunteerMatch, which lets you select volunteer opportunities based on type.

Whatever option you choose, outdoor team building activities can give your workers a welcome break from the office while enhancing their camaraderie. Schedule a lineup of outdoor team building activities all summer long to ensure it’s truly a season of celebration. Keep the celebration going all year long with an array of awards and certificates from PaperDirect.

April 25, 2018

5 Unique Ways to Recognize Your Employee of the Month

Filed under: Employee Recognition Ideas — Megan Duffy @ 2:39 pm

employee of the month recognition

Naming an employee of the month is a great way to recognizing your top performers’ hard work and dedication to the company. With all the effort they put into their job, they deserve more of a thank you than their picture on the wall. Why not give your employees of the month a unique treat instead? Transform your employee of the month recognition from a rather ho-hum honor to an enticing goal with these five spectacular ideas.

Free Lunch

Employee of the month recognition can be delicious when it means a free lunch. Pick a trendy restaurant near the office, or let the honored employee choose one from a pre-approved list. Then tell your employee to order in or head out on their lunch hour, with you picking up the tab for their meal.

Goodie Basket

Get a basket and fill it with items you know your employees would like. Choose a collection of munchies that fits the particular employee, with options that include fruit, granola bars, gourmet cheese, or candy. Non-food items can also work – think sketch pads, gift certificates, scented candles, or coffee mugs.

Supply Box

Keep your employee of the month recognition work-related by gifting a supply box filled with items they can use on the job. Ideas here run the gamut from colored sticky notes to pen sets to personalized memo pads to planners.

Certificate or Trophy

Certificates and trophies are superb for letting your employees of the month display their honor on their desk or wall as long as they wish. Get a batch of high-quality certificate paper and print up your own awards every month, or choose to have them custom printed and framed.

Choose from trophies shaped like stars, circles, or half-moons, all of which can be engraved. If springing for a trophy every month may be a bit much, invest in a single trophy that gets passed around month-to-month to the person who nabs the honor.

Paid Time Off

While you may want to reserve a paid week of vacation for your employees of the year, add an extra day to your employees of the month’s allotted PTO. Review the employee’s schedule, and then have them pick a day that works for you both. Even your best employees would love an extra day to relax!

With so many enticing options for employee of the month recognition, it may be tough to pick just one. Feel free to rotate the recognition ideas every year, or even on a quarterly basis. And yes, if you’re a big fan of the photo in the hallway, you can still keep that tradition, too. Just strengthen the honor with an additional perk that makes sure employees know you truly value their work. Check out PaperDirect for more ways to recognize your hardworking employee of the month.

April 23, 2018

4 Employee Reward and Recognition Programs That Work

Filed under: Employee Recognition Ideas — Megan Duffy @ 9:38 am

employee reward and recognition programs

The primary goals of employee reward and recognition programs are simple: attract and retain amazing talent. So, we shower them with awards, praise, and tokens of appreciation to express our gratitude for their service and dedication. But, are we doing it right? And well enough?

The research pros at Gallup, Inc. found, “only one in three workers in the U.S. strongly agree that they received recognition or praise for doing good work in the past seven days” and that many workers feel their best efforts are ignored. These folks are twice as likely to quit their jobs in the coming year.

In short: We need to do better. Here are a few ways for leaders and managers in your organization to recognize accomplishments, boost employee motivation, increase company loyalty, and meet employee retention rate goals.

Individual Personalized Outreach

The gold standard for employee recognition relies on one-on-one communication from a top-level colleague. We want to hear positive words from our supervisor or the head of the company. Gallup, Inc. found the most memorable and meaningful recognition came from the employee’s manager (28 percent), the company’s leader or CEO (24 percent), or the supervisor over the individual’s boss (12 percent).

The outreach should be genuine and personal. Taking a few minutes to chat about accomplishments and share a handshake speaks volumes to an employee. Writing a note on quality stationery or in a thank you card also makes a big impact.

Employee of the Month/Year

The next most effective form of recognition is based on individual outreach in a public forum. When a supervisor presents a certificate, award, or verbal praise for an individual employee in front of his or her peers, the impact is two-fold. The employee feels appreciated, and the staff learns more about the company culture, possibly feeling inspired to aspire to a similar experience.

Explore this option by creating your own employee of the week, month, or year depending on what feels appropriate for your industry. Make the announcement public and available for the entire staff to enjoy, whether it’s in the form of a meeting or morning announcement.

Individual Evaluations and Reviews

Although it’s not glamorous or public, employees feel valued when you take the time to sit with them and review their goals and performance within the company structure. These evaluations give both the supervisor and employee a chance to discuss improvement, promotions, and future opportunities. Again, personalization and direct communication with a superior at the company is key.

This form of recognition is usually part of an annual employee performance review. In a smaller office setting, this sort of check-in would be valuable after completing large company projects every few months or even on a monthly basis. Consider pairing the reviews with an employee appreciation day to enliven the workday.

Peer-to-Peer Recognition

Gallup, Inc. finds that you really can’t give too much feedback or recognition. They feel it should be all-encompassing and come from supervisors, peers, clients, and customers to really make an impact.

Share shout-outs for individual employees on customer surveys. Allow peers to nominate their co-workers for company awards. Encourage immediate supervisors to recognize when an employee excels in accordance with the company culture, purpose, or brand.

Are you ready to overhaul your company’s employee reward and recognition programs? Find everything you need to acknowledge your amazing employees at PaperDirect today!

April 18, 2018

6 Awesome Volunteer Recognition Award Ideas

Filed under: Recognition & Motivation Ideas — Megan Duffy @ 2:07 pm
volunteer recognition award ideas

Volunteers are the backbone of your organization. In fact, you might have a hard time running your organization without them. With Volunteer Recognition Day celebrated every April 20, you can show your appreciation with a lineup of volunteer recognition awards.

certificate award papers for volunteers

Make your volunteer recognition awards extra special by choosing unique award titles that creatively highlight different claims to fame. Here are some ideas for awesome awards to bestow on your hardworking volunteers:

Biggest Heart Award

Whether it’s to lend an ear, show up for an extra shift, or dedicate an entire weekend to service, the Biggest Heart volunteer is always there to help. This volunteer is kind, compassionate, gracious, and always giving to others.

heart pin award for volunteers

Early Bird Award

You know that volunteer that’s always standing outside the door when you open, eagerly waiting to start working? It doesn’t matter if it’s raining, snowing, hailing, or even Daylight Savings Time. This guy or gal is first in line, waiting to help out your organization.

Perpetual Smile Award

You’re not sure if you’ve seen this person frown, ever. When things are tough, they’re smiling. When things are great, they’re grinning even bigger. This volunteer brings a smile to your doorstep every time he or she arrives, sharing it freely with everyone inside.

Band-Aid Award

Things go wrong from time to time in every organization, and the luckiest organizations have a volunteer who can always fix what’s gone wrong. Creative solutions, rapid action, and remedying any situation are the claims to fame of the recipient worthy of the Band-Aid Award.

On-the-Spot Award

Maybe three volunteers didn’t show up, or you need extra help to quash a crisis. The person who always comes through in a pinch deserves the On-the-Spot Award. They are, after all, always on the spot whenever you call and need them most.

Eternal Service Award

You may be lucky to have a volunteer that has been with the organization since the beginning, continues to show up and suit up every week, and is likely to stick with you far into the future. The Eternal Service Award honors the volunteer for ongoing service – a kind of lifetime achievement award in the world of volunteers.

cherry wood plaque recognition award

Now that you have a solid idea of the types of volunteer recognition awards you want to dole out, all you need to do is get some quality certificate paper and lapel pins and make the awards happen. PaperDirect has an array of options you can have customized or print up on your office printer –  stock up today!

April 16, 2018

11+ Tips for Designing a Graduation Program

Filed under: Designing Your Invitation — Megan Duffy @ 4:07 pm
graduation program design

Everyone at your university is ready for some pomp and circumstance. To make graduation day even more memorable, prepare a detailed program that all guests will enjoy perusing and tucking inside a graduation keepsake frame or memento box.

Not sure what to include beyond the event date and speaker schedule? We’ve got you covered when it comes to selecting the paper to the words your should include. Let’s get this program designing started!

Choosing Graduation Program Paper

As you browse paper choices, you’ll be making decisions about color, folding pattern, and weight. You have two choices when it comes to choosing the color of the paper you’ll use: school colors or classic neutrals such as cream, grey, or white. Both options can be expressed with solid-colored, bordered, or patterned paper. We love the elegance and colorful variety of the Pristine Specialty Foil Programs and the whimsical pattern of the beautiful gold Brighton Specialty Programs.

When choosing the fold of the paper, single or tri-fold are the most popular. For small schools or mid-year graduation ceremonies, a single sheet of decorative paper printed on the front and back might do the trick.

Since the graduation program will likely be saved, choose a heavyweight paper. As you browse the selection of specialty program paper options, you’ll notice each one has a rating, such as “65 lb stock”. The higher the number, the heavier and more durable the paper.

Then, embellish the program! Embossed seals featuring the school emblem or colorful ribbon bookmarks inside multi-page, single-fold programs add a luxe style to the program.

What to Include in the Program

Once you’ve decided on the perfect paper, start crafting your words. On the front of the program, use the formal name of the university followed by the date, location of the event and, if relevant, the specific group of students who are graduating. If the ceremony is just for those who are receiving their doctorates, indicate that it’s a specialized ceremony.

Inside the program make a sequential list of the commencement activities. Here are a few suggested headings:

  • Processional: List the order of the people entering, such as faculty, graduates, board of trustee members, and special guests. You can also make a note of the musical selection being played. If it’s being performed by a live band, name them.
  • Welcome: This section will briefly list speakers and what they are contributing to the day. Are you starting with a few words from the university president? Do you have a special guest welcoming everyone?
  • Commencement Address: Name the person giving this speech and their title or affiliation with the school. They may be a student, guest speaker, or faculty member.
  • Conferring of Degrees: Name the people and their titles who will be presenting the graduates with their diplomas.
  • Closing: Will there be a final speech from a class valedictorian or faculty member? List their name and title.
  • Recessional: Name the people who will lead the graduates out of the room and the song being played during this part of the ceremony.

Finish the program with a short invitation for guests to attend a social hour in an adjoining facility, a few words of wisdom for the future of the graduating class, or the class motto. Create the program to fit your institution’s unique event, which may include singing, prayer, or viewing a photo slideshow. This is your event – customize it!

Most universities will also include a list of graduates as part of the program or as an added insert, depending on the number of names. Consider placing special symbols next to each name indicating special honors, designations, or type of degree obtained.

Skip These Non-Essentials

As you gain momentum on this project, it’s enticing to start including more and more information. Remember this document will become a keepsake for the students and their families, but it does not need to tell the entire history of the school or become an entertainment piece for guests.

Avoid lengthy school histories, listings of faculty members, yearbook-style photographs, school trivia, artwork, or descriptions of degree requirements.

Are you ready to pick out the perfect paper for your program? Browse the Specialty Programs collection at PaperDirect today to get ideas for your project!

April 13, 2018

Happy Stress Awareness Day! Here’s How to Reduce Stress at Work

Filed under: Recognition & Motivation Ideas — Megan Duffy @ 11:37 am

how to reduce stress at work

April 15th is Stress Awareness Day, and aren’t we all aware of it! While it can be tempting to overlook holidays that seem minor, this one can be a big deal for employees. After all, who doesn’t want a less stressful workplace? Here are seven tips on how to reduce stress at work on Stress Awareness Day and throughout the year to create a happy, healthy working environment.

1. Host a yoga class

Even the biggest skeptic will find themselves relaxed after a good yoga session. Whether or not your employees all buy into the spiritual aspects of the practice, everybody will benefit from a set time to relax, stretch, and focus on feeling grounded in their bodies.

2. Hire a masseuse for the day

While bringing in a masseuse may seem like an obvious way to reduce stress at work, it’s still a good one! Hire a masseuse (or several, if you work at a large company) to offer employees chair massages throughout the day. Your employees will find their stress melting away after a few blissful minutes in the chair.

3. Bring in a mindfulness speaker

Your company might have a long list of speakers and conferences planned, but these tend to be targeted toward new business or productivity. If you can tell your employees would benefit from a bit of a breather, find a speaker who can talk about mindfulness or stress management, and give your employees better ways to manage their stress even after Stress Awareness Day.

4. Make sure your employees get their lunch breaks 

Workday breaks are important year round! It’s so easy to get into the habit of eating at your desk, even if you don’t have work piling up. However, one of the quickest ways to reduce stress is to make sure all of your employees have their lunch break to move around, leave the office, and give their brain a break.

5. Finish work early

If you’re wondering how to reduce stress at work in a major way, even for the day, try cutting down work hours! Surprise your employees by closing down after lunch on a Friday (or, if you have a more meticulous bunch, give them warning at the beginning of the week). Either way, a half day won’t cost you much in productivity, but it’ll go a long way to knock down stress levels a couple of notches.

6. Encourage workouts

Give employees incentives to hit the gym or take a walk – offer a gym membership discount, bring in instructors for a lunchtime workout, or set up flexible hours to accommodate gym hours. Working out while you’re working hard can be challenging to balance, but we all know regular exercise is a major way to reduce stress at work.

7. Reward your employees’ hard work

Take some time to reward and celebrate your employees for their hard work. Whether it’s a lapel pin, a new tumbler for their desk, or a nice certificate, honoring their achievements at work can help reduce employee’s worries that they’re not performing well. Small rewards also serve as a good reminder to employees that even when their job stresses them out, you appreciate and value their hard work.

If you’re looking for more ways to show your employees that you appreciate them on Stress Awareness Day or any other day of the year, PaperDirect has everything you need to say thanks! Shop our range of employee recognition gifts and certificates today.

April 9, 2018

6 Ways to Frame Your College Graduation Diploma

Filed under: Student Recognition Ideas — Tags: , , , , — Megan Duffy @ 12:04 pm
college graduation diploma frames

Congrats! You’ve donned your cap and gown and been awarded your official college diploma. Now, it’s time to show it off. Whether it’s at home or the office, these college graduation diploma frames and display ideas are sure to turn a few heads.

Showcase Your Diploma in a Shadowbox

Preserve several memories of your college years in a shadowbox. The thick casing makes it possible to hang award ribbons, lapel pins, honor cords, sashes, medals, and other mementos alongside your graduation diploma. Choose a solid black felt backing or have it customized with your college colors or to match your room decor.

Decorate a Frame

Feeling crafty? Pick up a plain wooden frame and get creative. Use paint to customize the frame and glue on three-dimensional items. For example, if you went to college at a coastal university, apply seashells to the border of the frame. Were you a top athlete? Hang tournament award ribbons around the perimeter of the frame.

Leatherette cover for college diplomas

Display Diplomas with a Leatherette Award Board

For a classic look, slip your paper diploma into a leatherette frame. These can be hung or stand up on their own. We love the idea of standing the framed diploma on a bookshelf next to other items from college, including awards and framed pictures of friends and family at the graduation ceremony.

Mount It On an Engraved Plaque

Have you received more than one college diploma? If you have certificates for an associate, bachelor, masters, and/or doctorate degrees, secure each of them to a large wooden plaque so they can always be displayed together. We love the idea of placing an engraved plate with the year each was earned under each certificate.

slide-in certificate wall plaque

Mat and Frame Your Diploma

Will your college diploma be displayed in your office? Choose professional matting and framing to show off your hard work. The mat color can coordinate with your office or business colors. For timeless appeal, black or cream are popular options.

Create a Collage Frame

When selecting a wooden frame, consider one that has multiple openings cut into the matting. The diploma should be prominently displayed in the main spot, then fill the smaller openings with photographs from the graduation day, the graduation ceremony program, or your graduation party invitation.

Are you ready to make your college graduation diploma stand out? Browse the certificate frames at PaperDirect for more ways to turn your document into a true keepsake!

April 5, 2018

Designing a Dean’s List Certificate: Tips and Tricks

Filed under: Student Recognition Ideas — Megan Duffy @ 10:59 am
designing a deans list certificate

Making the Dean’s List is a big deal, and your school needs to produce a certificate worthy of the honor. While no national standard dictates what a Dean’s List certificate must look like and include, most schools follow a similar format to ensure they produce an official certificate that contains all of the essential information.

Information to Include

At the very least, your dean’s list certificate needs to include:

  • Title of the award, such as Dean’s List Award, or simply Dean’s List
  • Name of university or college
  • Name of recipient
  • Semester and year the certificate is being awarded
  • Official signature(s)

Certificates may be signed by the dean, deans from different departments, or other administrative members authorized to bestow the award.

Design Elements

For the most official, traditional look, it’s imperative to pay attention to several design elements.

School Logo or Seal

The school logo refers to an emblem that can be printed on the certificate, while the seal is created by a sticker or stamp that creates an imprint. One or the other is typically used on a dean’s honor list certificate, with the logo frequently appearing near the top center of the certificate and the seal often appearing in a bottom corner. Choose a Seal that comes with an embossed design or create your own with a blank foil seal and Custom Embosser.

Custom embosser for certificate seals

Font

The font style sets up the overall vibe of the certificate, with the most official and traditional often using an Old English type font. For a less fussy look, a straightforward font such as Bookman Old Style can work. Use no more than two different types of font on the certificate to retain a crisp and clean look.

Font sizes can vary, with larger lettering for the heading and important information and a smaller font size for less crucial information.

Certificate Paper

A dean’s list certificate is not the place to skimp on paper. You will want to use high-quality paper designed specifically for awards and certificates. Attractive options for a dean’s list can include:

When finalizing your design, make sure you adjust your layout to account for any borders on your certificate paper.

70lb Gold Linen Border Certificate Paper

These tips can help ensure your dean’s list certificate makes a stunning statement, providing a tangible testament to all the hard work and dedication that went into receiving it. To start creating your Dean’s List certificate today, browse PaperDirect’s certificate and recognition options.

April 3, 2018

17 Fun and Meaningful Award Ideas for College Students

Filed under: Student Recognition Ideas — Megan Duffy @ 10:41 am
award ideas for college students

College can be an incredibly fun time for students, but it’s not without its challenges. Between juggling homework, theses, and job applications, your students are likely stressed out much of the time!

While you can’t help them manage their busy schedules, you can acknowledge their hard work and unique quirks with fun and meaningful awards. Try out some of these award ideas for college students to boost morale in your university.

1. Superlatives

Superlative awards are one of the most popular parts of high school. Almost anyone can recall at least category from when they graduated, like Best Couple, Class Sweetheart, or Most Likely to Succeed. You can easily adapt this concept for college. Try some fun ideas that poke a little fun, while still showing your students you know them as individuals. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Most Likely to Drink 5 Cups of Coffee in One Class
  • Most Likely to Wear Pajamas in Class or Most Likely to Wear a Suit to Class
  • Most Likely to Know the Answer to Every Question
  • Most Likely to Start a Debate Over Anything
  • Most Likely to Take Impeccable Notes
Coffee-patterned stationery paper

2. Awards for High-performing Students

Giving high-performing students a small award, either in class or in privacy, for their achievements is a gesture that can go a long way. Extra validation can make a big difference, especially during high-pressure times like midterms or finals. Hand out certificates acknowledging one of the following achievements:

  • Top Math/History/Biology Student of the Year
  • Top Grade in the Course
  • Highest Test Score
Academic-themed stationery papers

3. Rewards for Students Who Study Together

Students often study together during college – there’s so much work to be done, and it always goes faster when you’re in a group! If you have a student you know shows up to help support others during test prep, reward them for their willingness and ability to cooperate with others. Some ideas to help recognize their collaboration are:

  • Most Dedicated Study Group
  • Biggest Team Player
  • Best Group Project of the Semester
  • The Test Prep Dream Team

4. Awards for Students with Perfect Attendance

If your class is at 8 AM, then this is one of those award ideas for college students that should be mandatory! College students have a lot going on, so simply making it to class all the time is an achievement that deserves acknowledgment. Whether it’s a certificate or a gift card for the local coffee shop to keep them punctual, it’s a worthwhile thing to celebrate. Awards relating to punctuality can include:

  • Most Punctual
  • Most Likely to Be the First to Class
  • Perfect Attendance
  • Most Visits to Office Hours
Perfect Attendance Award Paper

5. Certificates for Students Who Audited the Course

Students audit courses for a variety of reasons, but since they don’t receive official credit, giving students who audit a class an award is worthwhile. While all students are pursuing their educations and broadening their horizons by attending college, there’s something extra special about students taking on a course just for the sake of learning. Reward students who often go unacknowledged for going above and beyond with a certificate of completion.

No matter what awards you choose to celebrate your college students this season, PaperDirect has the certificates, trophies, and other awards you need to thank them for their hard work – or dedication to wearing PJs to class. Browse our range of recognition products today!

April 2, 2018

What Kind of Employee Are You? [Quiz]

Filed under: Employee Recognition Ideas — Megan Duffy @ 10:17 am

what kind of employee are you

If you work in an office, you know the classic cast of characters – the office gossip, the overachiever, and the rookie seem to make an appearance in every office. While you may think that you’re above labels (except, of course, “greatest employee of all time”), it’s likely that you fall into a certain employee category just like all your coworkers. Instead of guessing what kind of employee you are, take this quiz from PaperDirect to learn whether you’re a social butterfly, disappearing act, or something in between. Click the image below to start the quiz!

what kind of employee are you

Link above didn’t work? Access the quiz here. 

 

March 23, 2018

Spring Has Sprung! The 7 Best Plants for Your Office Desk

Filed under: Office Fun — Megan Duffy @ 4:21 pm

best plants for office desks

Even though it might not be warm and bright where you are quite yet, it is officially spring! However, while the sun is shining and plants are blooming outside, your drab office space might be stopping you from getting into the spirit of the season.

To help you spring into spring, here’s a list of some of the best plants to keep on your desk to help chase away your winter blues. And don’t worry, if your office doesn’t allow plants, we have a few recommendations for you, too!

Spider Plant

The spider planet is not nearly as scary as it sounds! It’s a hardy little plant that requires very little maintenance. If your office is more of a cubicle than a traditional office, a spider plant might be perfect for your space, because it can grow in partial sun and shade. As a bonus, it’s proven to work as an air detoxifier!

Golden Pothos

NASA noted the golden pothos is another great option to improve air quality – it removes over 70% of air pollutants. It’s also a perfect plant for low-light situations, so if you haven’t made your way to a corner office yet, this plant will do just fine without direct sunlight.

English Ivy

English Ivy is one of the best plants for the office if you’re looking to make your workspace an Instagrammable paradise. English Ivy is a climbing plant that will look oh-so-luxurious draped along your desk or a shelf nearby, and it’s ideal for workspaces with poor circulation.

Snake Plant

A snake plant is perfect if you want a little greenery to liven up your space but don’t want to have deal with a high-maintenance plant. Snake plants can be neglected for weeks, and they’ll still keep the air around you clean. Talk about employee of the month!

Succulents

If you manage to kill every plant you touch, try a succulent! They come in dozens of different varieties and colors and shapes, and as long as you can provide them with adequate sunlight every once in a while, you can forget to water these desert plants for a good long while.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm plants don’t just add some color to your drab workspace – they also have a comforting lemon scent that is shown in studies to provide a significant mood enhancement. And let’s be honest – we could all use a little pick-me-up during a long work day!

Floral Stationery

If even a low-maintenance plant seems like it’s a little too much work, there are still ways to brighten your office space for spring! Sometimes, the best plants for sprucing up your desk are the kind that are printed on paper in the form of floral stationery. All the color and brightness of a plant with none of the upkeep – that’s what we’d call a win-win!

To find eye-catching floral stationery and other products to help brighten your workspace as we head into spring, browse the options at PaperDirect today!

March 19, 2018

15 Motivational Quotes to Display Around the Office

Filed under: Recognition & Motivation Ideas — Tags: , , — Megan Duffy @ 4:41 pm
office motivational quotes

The ideal office environment is one that promotes harmony, productivity, and feel-good vibes, but it’s not something that happens by chance. A strong company culture, hiring exceptional people who fit into that culture, employee recognition, and job satisfaction all contribute to the mix. A few motivational quotes for the workplace can’t hurt, either. We found 15 quotes that can do the trick, no matter what message you want to convey.  

Quotes for Getting through Difficulties

Work can be filled with challenges, but you can help employees get through the difficulties with the wise words found in the quote below.

Tough times don’t last; tough people do.

Quotes for Getting Workers on the Ball

You may expect a level of sluggishness on Monday mornings, but you’re facing a bigger problem if that sluggishness happens to last all week, every week. We found five fantastic office motivational quotes that can help get workers back on track.

There are only two options: Make progress or make excuses.

A negative mind will never give you a positive life.

Focus on being productive instead of busy. -Tim Ferris

Pretty much anything has merit if you put effort into doing it well.

I’m not here to be average. I’m here to be awesome.

Quotes for Getting Along with Others

Most workforces are made up of a variety of personalities, some of which may not always get along. Disharmony in the workplace can lead to disruptions in productivity, resentments, and constant squabbling. These two quotes can help.

How you make others feel about themselves says a lot about you.

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. -Eleanor Roosevelt

Quotes for Overall Excellence

If your goal is to spread feelings of success throughout the workplace, these seven office motivational quotes might be just what you’re looking for.

It’s not just about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen. Do it!

Don’t tell people your dreams. Show them.

Don’t stop until you’re proud.

If you can’t stop thinking about it, don’t stop working for it.

A goal without a plan is just a wish.

Great things never come from comfort zones.

If you believe in yourself, anything is possible.

Pick one, pick two, or pick them all to hang strategically around the office. Give your chosen quotes the showplace they deserve by printing them on snazzy stationery and framing them. You can also keep the motivation going with motivational gifts, plaques, and awards, all available at PaperDirect – check out our selection today!

March 15, 2018

16 High-Impact, Low-Cost Employee Appreciation Ideas

Filed under: Employee Recognition Ideas — Megan Duffy @ 4:56 pm

low-cost employee appreciation ideas

If you appreciate your employees and all the hard work they do for you, taking a moment to show gratitude goes a long way. After all, who doesn’t love hearing those two magic words: thank you!

If you’re ready to amp up the employee morale in your office, you can spread kindness and thanks every day of the week with these low-cost employee appreciation ideas and gifts.

Low-cost employee appreciation ideas 

  1. Sweet treat: A morning pastry, gourmet cup of coffee or afternoon chocolate bar will create a smile.
  2. Lapel pin: A little celebratory bling is always a good thing.
  3. Gift card: Declare lunch on you at your employee’s favorite restaurant.
  4. Coffee mug: Fill a novelty insulated mug with tea bags or instant coffee packets.
  5. Set of note cards: Monogrammed thank you notes are adorable and perfect for the wordy person on your staff.
  6. Small trophy: A little award to display proudly on a shelf is sure to express your heartfelt gratitude.
  7. Sticky notes: Small stacks of cute paper is always a fun addition to a busy desk.
  8. Deluxe pen: They’re cozy in the hand and smooth on paper. We all love a quality writing tool!
  9. Desk candle: Add a warm ambiance and gentle fragrance to the colleague’s workspace.
  10. Business card holder: Shiny, classic or whimsical, a new card holder is always a welcome gift.
  11. Handwritten note: Grab fancy stationery, a colorful pen, and write a few positive sentences about your hardworking employee.
  12. Candy jar: Desk decorations should serve a purpose, like feeding that afternoon sweet tooth. Fill a cookie jar with a favorite treat and surprise the recipient!
  13. Mini calendar: Have a small desk calendar made featuring photos of fun office antics snagged from Instagram.
  14. Hand-held game: An old school, mind-bending toy is the perfect office stress reliever and gift!
  15. Decorative lanyard: Present a new way to carry around office ID cards or keys.
  16. Award certificate: Name the good deed and the recipient on a frame-worthy document that can be proudly displayed in the office.

Are you ready to stock up on low-cost employee appreciation gifts? Browse the selection at PaperDirect online, fill your shopping cart and have these goodies sent directly to your office. It’s time to spread some joy!

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