We’ve all been there; maybe you’re already having a stressful day, and the thing that sets you over the edge is something otherwise trivial, like a faulty pen or stapler. Maybe it’s a printer that jams or is difficult to use. Functional, quality office supplies aren’t the end-all-be-all of your employees’ performance and morale in the workplace, but they certainly have an impact. In this article, we take a look.  

Micro-stressors can lead to bigger issues.  

If your employees are unsatisfied with the tools and equipment needed to do their job, such as office supplies, it can cause real problems. This is connected to the concept of ‘micro-stressors’ or ‘micro-frustrations’; tiny problems in our daily life that aren’t connected to major causes of stress but nevertheless elicit a bodily response that leads us to feel de-energized and demotivated. Think of little things like being stuck in traffic, having a computer restart at an inconvenient time, or someone getting your coffee order wrong. This isn’t serious, but it does cause real frustration that can stack throughout the day.  

Dysfunctional or low-quality office supplies can cause these micro-stress reactions; be it a pen or highlighter that runs out quickly, a stapler that gets stuck, a notebook whose spiral falls apart, or even items they need that just happen to be out of stock. Overtime, this can cloud your employees’ opinions of their workplace. Quality supplies can circumvent these problems and tell your employees that you’re investing in them and their comfort in their job. 

Employee morale is important 

Turnover is incredibly pricy, malicious compliance is a common tactic of dissatisfied workers, and delays in business can cause more problems than ever before. You don’t want your staff to be unhappy over something as simple as office supplies. However, it can truly make a big difference.  

Proper supplies can mean fewer frustrations and delays and genuinely have an impact on your profitability.  

In conclusion… 

It may seem like a small thing, but the quality and consistent availability of your office supplies can make a big impact on your employees. Ensuring your office supplies budget is well-managed is one way you can support your staff and, as a result, your business’ success.