Before you read this, check your phone. More than likely, you have your company email on your personal phone or are using a company-given phone. Trends in technology have meant that the separation from work and a personal life has skewed. Add in the possibility of being in contact with coworkers globally and suddenly your personal life has to take a backseat to your work. Does it have to, though?

Let’s start with email. Yes, your coworker or manager may send out an email at 9:30 PM or 3:00 AM.  Do you have to answer it that very second? Not necessarily, depending on your role. If someone deems their email as a priority, you should be able to respond to it when you start your work day rather than while you are off. Setting certain times when you aren’t glued to the company laptop or handheld device shows that you are in control of your work.

Moving from email to the actual office, telecommuting can be a great way to balance work and extra activities. Setting up a home office helps to reduce the stress of commuting to and from work. Telecommuting is something that would have to be discussed with your manager and approved by your company. If you are able to work from home, make sure you have minimal distractions and are able to get your work done.

Finally, plan out your week in advance. Make sure you have activities or time for yourself that you wouldn’t want to break. Leave work behind you and focus on enjoying yourself taking a cooking class or going to a park with your kids. Separating work and personal time helps to increase productivity while working and will get you more excited for the planned out activities you’ve scheduled.

For more information on anything office or work related, visit Swingline.com.

It’s the same old routine. You dread going to work because when you get there, you have nothing to do or the tasks asked of you are simply dull. The only websites you are allowed to go onto are company related websites and the only conversations between coworkers is the word “hello”.  At the end of the day, you feel drained but are not sure why.

According to a survey done by the Washington Post, 55% of US employees feel bored and unsatisfied at work. Having a boring job usually isn’t what most people look for when they search for employment opportunities, but there are ways to deal with a boring job if you have to stay at that job.

1. Modify Your Surroundings

It may not seem that obvious, but you make many observations when you are at your desk or cubicle. Having a beige space with little to no color dulls your mind before you can get your five minutes of work done. Simple modifications such as adding pictures, lights, and even plants can help brighten up your work area.  You can also laminate your favorite pictures and display them.

2. Take on Extra Work

Sometimes the problem isn’t boring work but lack of work. Instead of just staring at your computer screen all day, ask a coworker or a boss for more work. Not only does this help alleviate part of your boredom but will gain bonus points later on. Even when you’re in a meeting, write down as much as you can. This could even result in added responsibilities and tasks you may enjoy.

3. Go Back to the (Digital) Classroom

Speaking of added responsibilities, it never hurts to learn new skills. Some employers encourage learning while on the job, though you will have to check with yours before you take up learning Japanese. Whatever you do at work, there is some skill you can learn that can make you more productive and helps brighten up what was another boring day at your boring job.

4. Take a Break

You would think that since you are bored, you want to waste time and browse the internet. Actually, that’s perfectly ok! As long as you don’t go overboard and don’t have tasks you need to do, occasionally breaking up the time you’re sitting at work by taking a break increases productivity. You can gain inspiration for your job and try to make the day less boring.

The good thing about boredom is you can still be successful at your job.  With some modifications to where you work and how you work, your job can become less boring and more rewarding.

For everything workplace related, look to Swingline and your favorite Red Stapler.

It may be hard to believe, but we are almost halfway through summer break! Whether you have already been on vacation, been at work, or at home with the kids, everyone needs to find some time for something enjoyable during the summer months. We’ve created a summer bucket list template for your use to make sure you get all of those summer adventures in, and tasks completed. Fill out all the fun trips, projects, and goals that you want to complete and check them off your list before the summer sun is gone!

If you like what you see, then you’ll be excited to hear that we are working on an exciting NEW laminating templates Web site with fresh new template designs. Be on the lookout for more updates to come!

Check out the bucket list template here as well as other fun templates for you to use.

By: Emily K, Swingline Intern