Consumables
In Tough Economic Times Small Investments Can Deliver Big Career Gains
Monday 12. May 2008 - Drop the $600 Blue Pinstripe Suit and Add the $16 Quilted Leather
In today’s economic climate, U.S. workers believe that small-ticket items, including stylish notebooks and file folders, are the secret to increased productivity, recognition and success – more so than dressing in flashy business attire. According to the M by Staples(TM) national survey, more than half (55 percent) of workers reported that having stylish office supplies gets them noticed in the workplace. In addition, 81 percent of respondents indicated an increase in productivity when they are more organized and carry business tools that allow them to showcase their personality and make a statement (53 percent). Further, more than one-third of respondents believe having stylish office supplies is likely to lead to promotions and opportunities for advancement.
“In developing the M by Staples collection, we spent years researching how business people interact with and depend on their office supplies for confidence and inspiration, and this survey further validates our findings,” said Petter Knutrud, senior vice president of merchandising for Staples. “Not only do stylish supplies increase productivity and success in the workplace, they are a smart investment at a great value that will get you noticed – far more than a new pair of designer shoes.”
The survey was conducted in association with the official launch of the new M by Staples(TM) collection of high-end journals, notebooks, file folders, stationery, and business essentials such as binder clips, magnets and push pins (see related release, “Staples Unveils the M by Staples Brand to Inspire Creativity and Style in the Workplace,” May 12, 2008). Other findings include:
— When asked what is noticed first in business meetings, 82
percent of respondents first notice an office supply item such
as a stylish journal, chic notebook, file folders, and pens,
versus someone’s shoes (18 percent).
— While U.S. workers agree that success is a matter of hard work
(92 percent), a vast majority agree that success is also
linked to perceptions created in the workplace (76 percent).
— More than half (51 percent) of U.S. workers believe dressing
in business attire has no affect on their level of
productivity.
— Sixty-one percent of respondents want to break out of the
mundane and personalize their workplace so that it showcases
their unique style. Nearly half of U.S. workers (46 percent)
would nominate their company for an “Office Supplies Extreme
Makeover.”
— Seventy-four percent agreed that how their workspace is
maintained reveals a lot about them and their personality,
while 69 percent of respondents form their opinion of
co-workers based on how they maintain their space.
— Seventy-eight percent report that either they or someone else
in their workplace is an “Organizilla” – someone who is
organized and who insists on having their workspace in a
systematic order.
— U.S. workers are willing to spend personal money on their own
supplies that reflect their unique style. On average, workers
spend $90.14 per year on office supplies. Interestingly, men
are likely to spend more money ($134.00 per year) than women
($101.00 per year) on these products.
About the M by Staples U.S. Worker Survey
The M by Staples U.S. Worker Survey was conducted by MarketTools, Inc. which polled 1,070 working Adults, age 18 and over in the U.S. via an online survey conducted from March 26-31, 2008. All participants were employed and had their own dedicated workspace. The overall margin or error is +/- 3%.