Quick Tips for Remaining Professional

Here are some quick tips for a new employee to remain professional and to adapt to the business world:

• Remember that everything you do on company time can be considered work. Don't surf gaming site, or spend time sending private correspondence over your company's email system. Save that for while you are home.
  
• Know your employer's rules about discussing company information with others. Make sure you don't divulge information that shouldn't be released outside the company.
• If at a company sponsored social event, remember you are still being watching by your co-workers or bosses.
  
• Avoid drinking too much - know your limits
• Stay respectful and polite
• Use the opportunity to network
• Learn the ethical nature of your workplace - what is allowed and what is not
• Look for advice from your managers if you are unsure about a situation
• Be willing to talk to a superior if you see a situation that seems to violate company policy or laws
• Remember that there are laws protecting whistleblowers
• Discuss workplace norms with a mentor or another co-worker, and know company policies regarding technology use, personal relationships, and work expectations.

Green Your Office

You can make a difference and help improve the environment by purchasing recycled products. You will find that most recycled products cost less, or the same as products made from normal materials. Recycled products cost more when the market for them is very limited; however, prices will fall over time when consumers buy these products regularly. There are many materials that you can buy for your office that are recycled. Recycled paper products include: copy paper, cards, envelopes, folders, notebooks, binders, checks, post-its, and cardboard boxes. Other recycled items include: computer disks, toner cartridges for photocopiers and printers, pens, rulers, and scissors. When buying paper products, the three arrows chasing each other on a dark background indicate that the paper contains recycled fibers, and on a light or no background, indicates that the paper can be recycled.

There are a few other simple things to do to make your office green:

• Bring your own coffee mug to work, and encourage other employees to do the same.
• Contribute guest mugs for visitors.
• Save coffee grounds for compost, and give them to anyone who gardens at home.
• Substitute cloth towels for paper towels, and keep them laundered.

Where to Buy:
www.recycledofficeproducts.com
www.waldecks.com
www.dolphinblue.com
www.sustainablegroup.net
www.buyonlinenow.com
www.checkgallery.com
www.greendisk.com

You can also find a number of other recycled office supplies at your local supermarket, or office supply store.