Business News
Staples Survey Reveals: A Shred a Day Keeps the Stress Away
Thursday 12. February 2009 - Nearly 50 Percent of People Experience "Post-Shredding Stress Reduction" (PSSR)
An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but the key to a stress-free lifestyle may be more than just proper diet and exercise. According to a national consumer survey conducted by Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPLS), 47 percent of respondents felt their stress level diminish after the simple act of shredding. In addition to experiencing “Post-Shredding Stress Reduction,” people felt smarter (85 percent), more organized (83 percent) and in control of their lives (80 percent) after shredding.
With Americans facing an unstable economy, concerns about their financial future and personal security continue to rise – and for good reason. According to recent reports, the number of reported security breaches has increased significantly over years past*. Staples’ survey revealed that shredding made consumers feel safer (92 percent) and calmer (42 percent), allowing for an emotional release. Emotional release can help reduce stress, and one third of respondents agreed that shredding made them feel they’ve just let go of the past and can start a new chapter of their life. In fact, 86 percent felt shredding would help them get rid of clutter in their life and nearly half (49 percent) believe that shredding helps them maintain a balanced life.
“Staples’ consumer survey confirms what we have found in our research,” said Consumer Psychologist Richard Feinberg of Purdue University. “Consumers use products like a shredder for utilitarian purposes but then these products have very significant and positive emotional and psychological impacts. These psychological impacts may not even be known by the consumer, but they can unconsciously improve their life. In a world where people are time deprived, increasingly stressed, and feeling more and more out of control, shredding may provide positive psychological fuel.”
Other survey findings include:
One third of Americans surveyed have a strong association the word “stress reliever” when it comes to shredding.
Almost half of respondents believe there is something very soothing about the act of shredding.
More than 25 percent of Americans get a huge rush of glee from the sound of utter paper destruction and 39 percent like to stick papers in a shredder just to watch it shred.
In terms of shredding frequency, two-thirds of people shred as they go and one-third save it all up and have a “shred fest,” on average shredding a whopping 28 items per month (e.g. bank statements, bills, letters, junk mail).
When asked what they would most like to shred, 51 percent would choose to shred their outstanding credit card balance statement.
The survey was conducted in association with the official launch of Staples’ new line of shredders, which include the latest technology and security options to provide greater value to customers and help prevent identity theft. Staples’ new shredders are equipped with powerful technologies and safety features, such as:
V-Track: Advanced blade technology that centers paper while shredding – preventing jams, evenly distributing paper waste and improving blade performance;
Titanium Cutters: Exclusively available on the high performance shredders in the Staples line, these durable, sharp blades ensure top shredding performance;
Anti-Jam with Smart Sense(TM) Technology: Innovative technology detects when too much paper is inserted and prompts the user before shredding starts to prevent jamming;
Lockout key: Removable key that prevents unauthorized shredder use;
Blade Guard: Safely covers blades when not in use;
Micro cut: Staples smallest cut designed for maximum security and ultra-quiet operation;
Cross cut: Enhanced security cut that delivers secure shredding
“These shredders bring added security and peace of mind to customers on multiple fronts,” said Eric Cayton, senior category manager of merchandising for Staples. “Customers can gain an emotional release from the shear act of shredding, and trust they are getting the highest quality machines from Staples that can help protect them from identity theft. We continue to be at the forefront of innovation, and these shredders deliver power, value and performance in ways only available from Staples.”
Staples, the world’s leading retailer of shredders, developed the new line to offer advanced features and designs that deliver value and quality to both personal and small business customers. Seven models enable customers to customize their shredder to fit their everyday needs, with a variety of shredding sizes, capacities and features. The new line includes:
MailMate(R) M5(TM) Shredder ($89.99)
10-Sheet Crosscut Shredder ($99.99)
10-Sheet Microcut Shredder ($199.99)
12-Sheet Crosscut Shredder ($149.99)
15-Sheet Crosscut Shredder ($159.99)
16-Sheet Microcut Shredder ($299.99)
22-Sheet Crosscut Shredder ($249.99)