Company swag isn’t just about slapping your logo on a mug and calling it a day. It’s a chance to connect with your team, boost morale, and give everyone a little something to proudly rock outside of work. We’ve rounded up the top 15 company swag items that employees are over the moon to receive and are likely to become cherished additions to their daily lives.

1. Custom Hoodies: There’s something about a cozy hoodie with your company’s logo that makes you feel like part of a big, warm family. Perfect for chilly office days or Netflix marathons.
2. Premium Water Bottles: Staying hydrated never looked so good. A sleek, high-quality water bottle is not only eco-friendly but also a stylish accessory for workouts and desk sessions.
3. Snazzy Laptop Stickers: Let employees jazz up their laptops with witty and artistic stickers that show off their company pride and personal flair.
4. Trendy Tote Bags: Tote bags are the Swiss Army knives of the accessory world. They’re great for groceries, gym gear, and everything in between.
5. Custom Notebooks: In a world of digital everything, a good old-fashioned notebook for jotting down ideas is a treasure. Bonus points for a quality cover design.
6. PopSocket Phone Grips: These little wonders make phone handling a breeze, plus they provide a prime branding opportunity for your company.
7. Scented Candles: Nothing says relaxation like a company-branded scented candle. It’s a unique swag item that adds a touch of tranquility to employees’ homes.
8. Embroidered Baseball Caps: A classic choice that’s perfect for bad hair days or spontaneous outdoor adventures.
9. Cozy Socks: Branded socks? Yes, please! Keep those toes warm and your team’s spirit even warmer.
10. Tech Accessories: From phone stands to wireless chargers, tech accessories that simplify life are always a hit.
11. Desk Plants: A little greenery can go a long way in brightening up a workspace. Mini succulents or tiny potted plants are easy to care for and make great company swag.
12. High-Quality Travel Mugs: For the coffee enthusiasts and tea aficionados, a travel mug that keeps beverages hot (or cold) for hours is a must-have.
13. Eco-Friendly Reusable Straws: Help your team sip sustainably and make a positive impact on the environment.
14. Branded Workout Gear: Encourage a healthy lifestyle with company-branded activewear, like gym shirts or yoga mats.
15. Customized Desk Accessories: Think mouse pads, desk organizers, and pen holders – practical items that add a touch of company culture to employees’ workstations.

When it comes to swag, the key is to strike a balance between useful, stylish, and unique. Items that seamlessly fit into employees’ lives tend to be the most cherished. And remember, it’s not just about the item itself – the thought and effort you put into selecting and personalizing the swag speaks volumes about how much you value your team.

Remember, choosing the perfect company swag involves understanding your employees’ preferences and incorporating your company culture into the mix. These items not only serve as brand ambassadors but also as tokens of appreciation that resonate with your team on a personal level. So give careful thought when giving them out. Work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay safe and healthy!

Written by Jaie O. TheHelp

We’ve all heard of stress and its sneaky ways of creeping into our lives, but have you ever met its close cousin, employee burnout? If you haven’t, or if you’re simply curious to learn more, grab a comfy seat because we’re diving into the world of what employee burnout is, what causes it, and how to spot its telltale signs.

What Exactly is Employee Burnout?

Imagine feeling like a candle that’s been burning at both ends for far too long – that’s a bit like how burnout feels. Employee burnout is more than just a case of the Monday blues; it’s a chronic state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that results from prolonged stress. When work starts feeling like an endless uphill hike without those refreshing rest stops, you might be facing burnout.

Root Causes of Employee Burnout

Burnout doesn’t just appear out of thin air. It’s often the result of a combination of factors, both work-related and personal. Crazy workloads, unreasonable deadlines, and a lack of control over your tasks can turn even the most passionate worker into a worn-out soul. A lack of support from bosses and colleagues, as well as a mismatch between your skills and your job demands, can fan the flames of burnout.

Juggling work, family, and personal life can also tip the scales toward burnout. It’s like trying to balance a plate of spaghetti while riding a unicycle – sooner or later, something’s going to crash.

Spotting the Sneaky Signs and Symptoms

Now, let’s talk about how to identify this wily foe. Have you noticed a growing sense of cynicism or detachment from your job? Maybe you’re finding it harder to concentrate or your once-beloved tasks now feel like medieval torture. These could be early signals of burnout.

Physical symptoms might also show up – think constant fatigue, headaches, and even stomach troubles that are seemingly unconnected to that extra-spicy burrito you had last night.

Emotionally, you might find yourself teetering on the edge of irritability, frustration, and a general sense of disillusionment. When that once-fulfilling job starts making you want to throw your computer out the window, it’s time to pay attention.

Preventing and Overcoming Burnout

Fear not, for you’re not helpless in this battle! If you’re feeling the heat, there are ways to douse those burnout flames. Start by setting clear boundaries between work and personal time. Just as superheroes need their secret hideouts, you need your own space away from work stress.

Don’t be shy to communicate with your boss or HR about your workload and stress levels. They might be more understanding than you think. Remember, even superheroes ask for help when they’re overwhelmed.

Engage in activities that rejuvenate your mind and body. Whether it’s a yoga class, a brisk walk, or indulging in your favorite book, these small breaks can work wonders for your well-being.

Finally, consider seeking professional help if burnout is severely impacting your life. A therapist or counselor can provide strategies to manage stress and regain your equilibrium.

Employee burnout is like an unwelcome guest at your life’s party, but it’s not invincible. By understanding its causes and recognizing the signs, you can take proactive steps to prevent and overcome it. Remember, you’re not alone in this – many have battled burnout and emerged stronger.

So, as you navigate the twists and turns of your career, keep an eye out for burnout’s red flags. Your well-being is worth more than any work deadline, and taking care of yourself is the key to a fulfilling and successful journey in the professional world. Stay balanced, stay happy, and remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today.

Written by Jaie O. TheHelp

By now, you know just how important meeting minutes are and are now that you’re sold on the idea of meeting minutes. That’s half the battle already won. The next step is to write the meeting minutes. Sure, it sounds easy to take down notes of what has been discussed and who needs to do what. But how do you make your meeting minutes sparkle? Fear not, it’s simpler than you think:

Step 1: Prepare Ahead: Before the meeting even begins, gather the agenda and any relevant documents. This will help you anticipate the topics and jot down notes more effectively.

Step 2: Who’s Who: Record the names of all attendees at the beginning of your minutes. This is not only a nod to etiquette but also ensures accountability for decisions made.

Step 3: Key Discussions and Decisions: Summarize the main points of each discussion, highlighting the key arguments or insights presented. Clearly note any decisions that were made during the meeting.

Step 4: Action Items: Ah, the action items—the heart of meeting minutes. List out tasks, responsibilities, and deadlines for each action item. Be specific, so there’s no room for ambiguity.

Step 5: Be Concise and Clear: Keep your writing clear and concise. Use bullet points, short sentences, and avoid jargon whenever possible. Remember, these minutes are meant to be a quick reference.

Step 6: Review and Edit: After the meeting, take a moment to review your notes. Tidy up grammar, ensure accuracy, and make sure the minutes capture the meeting’s essence accurately.

Step 7: Distribute Promptly: Time is of the essence. Send out the meeting minutes while everything is fresh in everyone’s minds. This helps maintain momentum and ensures everyone is on the same page.

An important note:

Contrary to the somewhat misleading name, the task of taking “meeting minutes” doesn’t entail meticulously documenting every single minute detail of a meeting. Let’s be real – no one, especially not those who already endured the meeting in person, is keen on diving into an exhaustive blow-by-blow account. The term “meeting minutes” might lead you to believe that these notes need to be overly intricate, but in reality, they’re much more streamlined than you might think. The term “minutes” refers to recording minor details rather than the literal minutes of a meeting.

The essence of “meeting minutes” lies not in recording every verbal exchange, but in capturing the core takeaways that drive the meeting’s progress. So, put those visions of a marathon transcribing session aside and embrace a more efficient approach.

Now you have a crash course on meeting minutes and a handy 7-step guide to crafting them like a pro. So, the next time you’re tasked with crafting meeting minutes, remember that it’s not about narrating every second – it’s about curating the significant moments that propel your team forward. Think of it as sculpting a work of art from the raw materials of a discussion. In the end, your meeting minutes will become your team’s roadmap, guiding them to their goals with clarity and purpose. Stay efficient, my friends! Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay safe and healthy!

Written by Jaie O. TheHelp

When someone asks you to handle meeting minutes, it can be a puzzling experience, to say the least.

You might offer an uncertain nod, pretending you’re fully on board. “Taking meeting minutes? Of course, no problem!” After all, you’re familiar with meetings and you understand the concept of minutes. So, logically, meeting minutes should be…

But as you contemplate the task you’ve just agreed to, a slightly unsettling realization dawns upon you. In truth, you’re not entirely sure what meeting minutes truly entail. And as a result, you’re in the dark about the technicalities of recording them.

So, What Are Meeting Minutes Anyway?

Let’s kick things off with a simple definition: meeting minutes are like the highlights reel of a meeting, capturing the key discussions, decisions, and action items that take place during your pow-wow. Think of them as the official record of what goes down in those hallowed meeting rooms.

Imagine this scenario: you’re in a meeting, brainstorming ideas, hashing out plans, and making game-changing decisions. It’s a whirlwind of brilliance and collaboration, but here’s the kicker—once the meeting ends, those conversations often fade into the ether, right? Enter meeting minutes! They swoop in to rescue those precious nuggets of wisdom, ensuring that nothing gets lost in the hustle and bustle.

Why Bother with Meeting Minutes?

Now, you might be thinking, “Sure, meeting minutes sound cool, but are they really worth the effort?” Oh, absolutely! Here’s why:

Clarity is King: Meeting minutes are the ultimate antidote to confusion. They document what was discussed, who said what, and what actions are on the horizon. This way, even if someone missed the meeting, they can catch up quickly without pestering you for a play-by-play.

Accountability in Action: Let’s say you all agreed to conquer a mountain of tasks after your meeting. With meeting minutes, everyone knows who’s responsible for what. It’s like a gentle nudge to keep things moving. Procrastination, meet your match!

Decision-Tracking Dynamo: Ever had one of those “Wait, why did we decide on this again?” moments? Meeting minutes swoop in with the answer. They immortalize decisions and the thought process behind them, so there’s no more scratching heads or second-guessing.

Future-Proofing Your Ideas: The grand plans and ingenious solutions that emerge during meetings deserve to live on. Meeting minutes act as a time capsule, preserving those lightbulb moments for future reference. You never know when you’ll need to revisit that stroke of genius!

Covering Your Bases: In some cases, meeting minutes can be a saving grace. If disputes arise about what was agreed upon or who should tackle a task, you can whip out those minutes and settle the score with undeniable proof.

There you have it, a crash course on meeting minutes! These unassuming documents might not wear capes, but they’re your trusty sidekicks in the battle for productive and organized meetings. Embrace them, and you’ll never miss a beat even when the meeting’s long over. Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay efficient, my friends!

Written by Jaie O. TheHelp

This is the last of a 4 part series on traveling tips to ensure your comfort on long haul flights. Read the first part here, the second part here, and the third part here.

We all love the thrill of long-haul flights, but let’s face it—getting a good night’s sleep on an airplane can sometimes feel like a mythical quest. No worries, though! I’ve got your back with five handy tips to catch some Z’s and make the most out of your journey. So, buckle up, sit back, and let’s dive into dreamland!

Choose Your Seat Wisely:
First things first, picking the right seat can make all the difference. If you’re one of those lucky folks who can afford it, consider splurging on a cozy business or first-class seat. But, if you’re like the rest of us, aim for an aisle seat for more legroom and easy bathroom access. Pro tip: Opt for seats near the wings, as it tends to be less bumpy there.

Gear Up with Comfort:
Now that you’ve got your spot secured, it’s time to equip yourself for the slumber party. Pack a travel pillow that supports your neck, ensuring you don’t wake up feeling like you’ve wrestled with a wild kangaroo. An eye mask and noise-canceling headphones are also a must. They’ll whisk you away to dreamland, even amidst the hustle and bustle of the cabin.

Dress the Sleep Part:
Comfortable clothing is the magical ingredient for a restful journey. Forget the fancy attire and opt for loose, breathable layers. Wearing cozy socks will keep your feet warm, and we all know warm feet equal happy dreams! If you’re sensitive to temperature changes, have a lightweight blanket or shawl on hand too.

Mind Your Sleep Schedule:
Try to align your sleep schedule with your destination’s time zone, even before you board the plane. This might involve staying up a bit later or adjusting your sleep routine a few days prior to your trip. Once onboard, set your watch to your destination’s time and trick your mind into believing you’re already there.

Hydrate and Snooze-nate:
Stay hydrated, my friends! Sip on water throughout the flight, as the dry cabin air can be quite dehydrating. However, try to reduce liquid intake a couple of hours before your planned sleep time to avoid frequent trips to the bathroom. As for snacks, opt for light and easy-to-digest treats. Avoid heavy meals or caffeine, especially if you plan to doze off.

Bonus Tip: Stretch and Move:
Okay, I know I promised you five tips, but here’s a bonus one, because I’m feeling generous. Stretch and move around during the flight. Sitting for extended periods can make you feel stiff and restless, making it harder to sleep. Get up, walk around the cabin, do some simple stretches at your seat—anything to keep your blood flowing and muscles happy.

So there you have it, your ultimate guide to conquering the airplane sleep struggle. Remember, each of us is different, and what works for one might not work for another. Be patient and give yourself some grace—it might take a few flights to find your perfect sleep formula.

What’s your go-to sleep tip for fellow jetsetters? Share them with us in the comments. Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Happy travels, and may your dreams be as epic as your journey! Bon voyage!

Written by Jaie O. TheHelp