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How to Encourage Out-of-the-Box Thinking

The concept of thinking outside the box is more than just a corporate cliché; it can truly help business progress past a plateau. For a successful, innovative, and sustainable business, it’s crucial to encourage all staff members to pursue alternative problem-solving approaches. Here are some straightforward strategies to foster out-of-the-box thinking.

Study an Opposite Industry

Often, when people spend their professional careers in one industry, they can develop habits and perspectives that are difficult to break away from. If a certain solution has worked in prior years, it’s tempting to try and implement that same solution over time. However, learning about other industries’ problem-solving techniques can inspire creativity and innovation in our own field. Even if the business models are starkly different, all companies have the same fundamental elements.

For example, while a textile manufacturer and insurance agency don’t have much in common on the surface, they may run into similar problems when dealing with staff morale, opening doors to emerging markets, or drafting fair, profitable contracts.

Learn About A Different Culture

Compare our American working culture to that of Western Europe or Latin America. Many people in Europe arrive to work after 9am, eat lunch at home, and work into the evening. Latin American companies often operate like a large family unit, with the top executives ensuring the well-being of lower-level employees and the employees’ loved ones.

While the standard American work culture views the 9-5 day a little differently, some organizations may benefit from modified hours, encouraging a balanced work-life approach, or curating a hospitable environment. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut when we are only surrounded by people with ways of thinking similar to our own. Learning about a different culture can broaden our perspectives and trigger us to challenge our own way of looking at life and work.

Take a Class

Team building opportunities are numerous along the Front Range. Consider signing your team up for a class that pushes boundaries and challenges norms. Try a trapeze lesson or take a sustainable farming class. Encouraging people to move beyond their comfort zones fosters out-of-the-box thinking when they return to the office. When people learn a new skill or work out a creative solution in an unconventional environment, then they can more easily implement alternative problem-solving practices in a known setting, like that of an office space.

Go for a Walk

A simple change of scenery can be a huge help when needing to think outside the box. Create a welcoming, natural outdoor space where staff can retreat to for peace and quiet. Encourage mid-day walks; exercise isn’t only great for the body, but incredibly beneficial for the mind as well. Stepping away from a problem and dedicating energy to something else often opens the doors to out-of-the-box solutions.

EON Office provides thousands of discount office supplies that help employees and promote a sustainable business. Our next-day delivery means you can spend your valuable time accomplishing other tasks, like planning team-building activities or learning about another culture, society, or industry. Contact us for all of your office supply needs.


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Why Using the Right Computer Accessories is So Important

For the modern business professional, most work days are spent at a desk using the computer and/or telephone. Utilizing innovative, ergonomic office accessories can have a huge impact on our physical health and overall work performance. EON Office understands the importance of employing the best computer accessories in each work space to aid staff well-being and increase productivity. Here are modern and functional computer, desk, and phone accessories and methods for implementing them in your current office setup.

Ergonomic Designs Have Improved

In the past, office supplies came in a one-size-fits-all style so that they could be incorporated across multiple industries for varying roles. In today’s environment, office suppliers are becoming increasingly concerned and savvy regarding employee health and well-being.

To prevent eye strain, muscle cramps, and poor posture, office staff can employ document holders, headsets, and adjustable monitor stands. Each of these encourages correct posture to prevent back, neck, or wrist injuries. Cordless mice and ergonomic keyboards also help prevent workplace injury by eliminating tension on the arms, hands, and wrists. These office supplies are easy to source and exchange, but make the difference in employee comfort.

Increased Productivity

Remaining in a seated position for hours on end can increase fatigue and discomfort, which can lead to decreased productivity. Utilizing a standing desk promotes blood flow and increases energy levels, in turn fostering work place efficiency. It’s fairly simple to make the switch from a standard desk to a standing desk, and your business may even earn more revenue from the swap.

Adding a second, or even a third monitor can help employees work smarter, not harder. Flipping back and forth between email, computer programs, and software systems takes time and can increase the possibility for distraction. Additional monitors allow staff to create a work station that better fits the task at hand, instead of creating workarounds to accomplish the activity.

Added Security

With virtually all client, employee, and operational information stored online, businesses must implement multiple fail-safe systems in case of technology failure or a security breach. Store information on multiple back-up hard drives and keep client information in secure locations both on and off line. Host regular security meetings with employees to ensure that each is adhering to strict security protocol in order to safeguard against hacks, failures, and breaches.

Outdated, poorly designed monitors, towers, and keyboards can force users to crane, slouch, or squint overtime, causing the user to suffer physically, not to mention hinder performance and decrease productivity. EON Office knows that implementing the correct computer accessories can make all the difference. We offer superior office supplies and technology-focused accessories that are modern, ergonomic, and easy to incorporate into your current office setup. For all of your office supply and design needs, give us a call today!