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Thanksgiving is tomorrow, so what better time to show a little appreciation for the co-workers who make your job easier, more fun and just plain better? If you’ve been meaning to show your gratitude to the people you work with but haven’t been sure how, here are some quick and easy ways to do it this holiday season.

 

Simply Say ‘Thank You’

It may not seem like enough, but you’d be surprised by how much a couple of words can affect someone’s whole day. Just take a minute or two out of your day today and say thanks to the co-workers you really appreciate. Chances are they appreciate you too, and saying it out loud will get those positive vibes flowing!

 

Say it in a Team Meeting

If you want to make your co-workers feel even better, say thank you in front of your whole team in your next meeting or get together. This way, not only will your co-workers know that you care, but they will feel even better knowing that everyone else knows it too.

 

Email the Boss

Who better to tell what a great job your co-workers have been doing than the manager? Managers are busy people who often don’t see the day-to-day goings on between team members. Shoot your boss a quick email simply letting him or her know that a co-worker makes a positive impact in your work life. Copy your co-worker on the email and watch a smile spread across his or her face!

 

Bring in a Snack

Haven’t you heard? Food is the way to an employee’s heart. Bring in a snack for your co-workers to share to show that you appreciate everything they do for you all year. The best part about this gesture is that you get to enjoy the treats too.

 

Nominate Them for a Prize

Many offices have programs that reward employees for jobs well done. At NBF, for example, we have an employee ‘fish pond’. Every week employees are encouraged to nominate co-workers who have made their day and on Fridays everyone gets to choose a small prize from the fish pond and a few randomly selected winners receive a gift card to a local store. We also have a jeans day system wherein employees can give each other coupons for a free denim day. Nominate your co-worker and show them you care!

 

How do you show your co-workers you’re thankful for them? Let us know!

Employee Wellness

More From NBF

Ergonomic Accessories to Help You Stay Comfortable

When we discuss ergonomics on the NBF blog, we’re referring to the study of employee efficiency in the workplace. Unsurprisingly, the number one most important factor when it comes to good ergonomics is keeping comfortable while you work. After all, how can you expect to be efficient when your neck and back are in pain, your wrist is sore or your eyes are strained? A good ergonomic chair and a standing desk are obvious fixes for office fatigue, but what about your desk accessories? Sometimes it’s the little things that can make the biggest difference.

Standing Height Ergonomics

Standing-Height Ergonomics

You’ve added a standing desk to your workspace to help ward off the negative health consequences of sitting all day. You’re now consistently moving and incorporating a balance of sitting and standing. But have you forgotten about ergonomics? While a balance of sitting and standing is the most important, you’ll also want to consider the height of your workstation, the position of your monitors and keyboard, and your ergonomic chair adjustments to make sure that your body is fully supported whether you’re taking a stand or sitting for a bit.

Set Your Workstation at the Proper Height

Your workstation should not cause you to strain to reach something high or low. If you are reaching to look up or down, it can cause a lot of strain on your shoulders, neck, and back. An adjustable-height desk allows you to move the workstation up or down to accommodate your height. You will want to position your workstation (including your keyboard) so your arms are parallel to the ground while typing (no stress on elbows or shoulders) and you're not looking up or down at monitors but instead straight ahead, keeping your shoulders and neck relaxed. It's recommended that your monitor is placed about arm’s length from your face.  

Stand Correctly

Standing at your desk for the recommended amount of time isn't enough—you'll need to be sure you are standing correctly. Otherwise, you may still experience those aches and pains you’ve been trying to avoid. Having your monitor at the right angle and your workstation at the right height will help, but remember to keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed. Avoid reaching above or behind the shoulder line. Avoid crossing your legs in any matter when standing and avoid locking your knees—both of these movements can disrupt blood flow. Instead, keep your feet pointed toward your workstation and your knees loose and comfortable.

Consider Your Feet

Even if you stand for short bursts throughout the day, you’ll want to consider how your feet are holding up. If they are sore or uncomfortable after standing, evaluate your footwear and add an anti-fatigue mat to your workspace. Switching to practical footwear for standing is ideal, and anti-fatigue mats can make a huge difference in supporting your feet and legs.

Take a Seat

Sitting all day isn't good for you, but neither is standing all day. As a general rule of thumb, you should be standing 15 minutes for every 2 hours you sit. When seated, maintain proper posture to reap the health benefits of good ergonomics.

How to Keep Guests Connected in Your Waiting Room

Sitting in a reception area for a long period of time while waiting for an appointment usually isn’t any fun for most people. While offering reading materials and refreshments is a great way to keep guests comfortable while they wait, the majority of visitors would probably prefer to pass the time by using their mobile devices for reading articles, surfing social media and playing games. Here are some ways you can facilitate smart phone and tablet usage in your office’s waiting area.

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Nicole Groshek

Nicole Groshek is the social media and content coordinator for National Business Furniture. She helps employees discover the true joy in loving what they do, from working in an inspiring office to having a little fun on the job.