Running an office can be a real money drain if you don’t know where to spend and how to make the best use of it. For instance, a significant percentage of your operating costs are probably allocated to office supplies, utilities, coffee, decorations, and office equipment – as well as their upkeep and maintenance – to create an amiable work environment. By cutting back on some of the costs, you can help your business save money without sacrificing employee comfort.
In this piece, we suggest some ways to scale back on everyday office expenses without sacrificing the must-haves around the workplace.
Buy in Bulk
There are many office items that are going to be used anyway and you know it. Printer ink and toner, printing paper, coffee, toilet paper, and hand soap are just some of the examples that happen to have long shelf lives. Instead of buying your supplies monthly or quarterly, consider buying in bulk for the coming six months or even years.
Eliminate Single Use Items
Raise awareness among your employees about the terrible effects of single-use items like plastic and Styrofoam. Announce a new policy that aims at eliminating waste by no longer providing disposable coffee and water cups. Instead, encourage your team members to bring their own unique reusable bottles and mugs/thermoses. Not only can this save significant amounts of money every year, but it also helps you and your team reduce your carbon footprint.
Be Energy-Smart
With the help of your team, you can really shrink that electricity bill if you all develop some energy-economy habits. Mother Nature will thank you all if you work together towards using less power by switching the lights off in vacant meeting rooms; agreeing to “powering down” all electronic equipment at night, and turning off your computers when you are done for the day.
Let Your Devices Help You
It will benefit you in the long run if you could upgrade some of your office’s old infrastructure with new, energy-smart options. Replace your old light bulbs with high-quality, energy-saving fluorescents. You can also check 1800officesolutions.com and learn more about why you should invest in printers, scanners, and other electronic equipment that come complete with energy-saving features. The options are many and the effort is worth every second you spend on this.
Evaluate Your Windows and Doors
Another way to save on power – and help the environment – is to properly isolate your office. Seal air leaks around windows and doors to increase your heating and cooling efficiency. On the other hand, why not encourage opening windows during the spring and fall? Not only is the weather great outside, but nothing is healthier than fresh air ventilating the room during the hours of the day. It also lets in natural light and can eliminate the need to keep the lights on for hours.
By cutting costs through simple actions like buying in bulk, reducing waste, saving energy and educating your staff about the environment, you are not making any compromises. If you think about it, you are actually being smart about your resources, and considerate towards the planet.