Ask the Office Doc
Admit it…you save the advice column for last when you read the Sunday Detroit News. After all…it’s pretty entertaining to read about someone else’s gullible personality or annoying boyfriend…as long as it’s not your problem!
So in the spirit of constant entertainment (and occasionally helpful hints), Office Express is pleased to introduce The Office Doc. Your notes and comments will be kept in strict confidence. From the sublime to the ridiculous…we invite you to submit your questions. Who knows? Your question may be just what someone else might need to see. (Or you might be the reason that hundreds of people are entertained…which in of itself is a good thing.)
What’s on your mind? Ask the Office Doc
Dear Office Doc:
Part of my job as an administrative assistant is to organize the files, purge and destroy unnecessary files, and in general get ready for the new business cycle. How can I encourage my boss to buy some new supplies and maybe a shredder? He is really on the warpath about spending money. Please help me persuade him!
Desperate for help
Dearest Desperate: your boss will be the one who is desperate if he doesn’t destroy personal and confidential documents properly. You must explain to Frugal Freddie that there are several laws that require you to protect client or consumer financial records; confidential employee information; and medical records and information. And even if you put all those acts and laws aside, preventing espionage is as important a reason as any to destroy sensitive information.
So before everyone shares that secret chocolate chip cookie recipe, get that new shredder! But you need to know that all shredders are not created equal. Please go to www.fellowes.com and make sure you check out the Shredder Advisor. This is an awesome tool to help you choose the correct shredder. Too many people choose a shredder that’s too small for the job, and that defeats the purpose. You’ll also find helpful information about records storage drawers and boxes, and even some tips on how to lay out your storage room.
Of course, the best tool at your disposal is your Office Express Sales Rep. He or she can help you assess your needs and choose the right tool for the job. So don’t be desperate! Be smart, be organized, and be efficient with some help from Office Express!
Dear Office Doc:
I love my job! But I don’t love the way I feel at the end of every work day. My wrists hurt, my neck is stiff and it makes me crabby and short tempered with my family when I get home. Besides I actually think I could do an even better job if I felt better. Do you have any suggestions?
Knotted up and not fun in Farmington
Dear Knotted up we are going to smooth out those muscles and that temperament! Where have you been my dear? Haven’t you heard of ergonomics? It is the applied science of equipment design intended to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort. In a nutshell if you feel better, have a better work environment, and stay healthy that is good for both you and your boss. Now ergonomics or the implementation of an efficient workplace has been around since the ancient Greeks when Hippocrates described how the surgeon’s workplace should be designed.
Well anyway, fast forward to the modern office. Most everyone is working at least part of the day in front of a computer. Therefore your office furnishings become very important in regards to the proper task chair, an adjustable keyboard, the correct lighting, how your desk is arranged and the way you interact with all of these elements. First there are a great many task chairs on the market nowadays with the adjustments you need to foster good posture throughout the workday, your Office Express sales rep will be happy to educate you on these chairs and how they will help you feel better and work better. The adjustable keyboard is also a great tool to have if you do a lot of keyboarding during the workday. Some of these adjustments include articulating from left to right and up a
