Avoid the temptation to shift from one half–finished task to another. Try to complete things before moving on to the next task.

When quitting for the day, jot a few notes about where you left off and what your next step is. This will make it easier to get your momentum back quickly at the next work session.

Staples ink and toner

Remember that an important part of time management is taking care of yourself. If you don't take care of your health, you'll lose far more time in the long run than you'll save in the short run by skimping on eating well or sleeping.

If the toner you need is out of stock, simply call 1–800–333–3330 and a customer service representative will take care of everything.

What is "OEM toner"? Is Staples toner just as good?

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. When a company such as Epson, Canon, HP, or Lexmark manufacturers toner cartridges for their printers, for instance, those cartridges are OEM.

Provided the Staples cartridge you choose is compatible with your printer, fax machine, copier, etc., it will be just as productive, durable, and efficient as an OEM toner cartridge.

Remanufactured cartridges

Q: What is a remanufactured cartridge?

A: It's a recycled and refilled cartridge that is tested to insure that it provides the same performance (based on cartridge yield) as a new, non–recycled cartridge. In some cases, a remanufactured cartridge's yield is up to 5% higher.

A used cartridge that is going to be remanufactured is first disassembled and inspected for wear. Parts that are damaged or worn are replaced, and other components are cleaned and reconditioned. The cartridge is then reassembled, filled, and tested for proper performance. Ultimately, remanufactured cartridges are better for the environment — and they're generally between 10% and 20% less expensive than a brand new cartridge.

Are remanufactured cartridges the same as refurbished cartridges?

No. Refurbished cartridges are formerly defective cartridges that have been repaired, rehabilitated, checked and then sent back into service. Remanufactured cartridges worked without malfunction during their previous use. They simply ran out of toner or ink.

Recycling ink and toner

Q: How can I recycle my ink and toner cartridges?



A: You can recycle them at your nearest Staples store. Look for an ink and toner bin near where ink and toner is sold. The bin will have two openings, one for ink cartridges and one for toner, and will have a large recycling symbol on the front. There will likely be a sign above the bin that reads: "Recycle your ink and toner cartridges here."

If you have trouble finding the bin, just ask a store associate.

Differences among inks and cartridges

Q: What's the difference between the inks used by lasers and inkjets?

A: Laser toner is a dry, powdered ink while inkjet — and bubble–jet, a kind of inkjet used by Canon printers — inks are liquid.

Laser printers (as well as laser multifunction machines, laser copiers, and laser fax machines) work by fusing toner to paper using heat. The printed results of lasers are smudge–proof and waterproof.

Inkjet printers (as well as inkjet multifunction machines, inkjet copiers, photo printers, and inkjet fax machines) spray tiny droplets of liquid ink onto paper. There have been great strides of late in inkjet printing technology that have made them much more resistant to smudging and smearing. Click here to read more about the differences in per–page costs and printing speeds between inkjets and lasers.

A difference that only generally applies to inkjets and lasers is that inkjet machines are capable of printing both in black and white and in color. Most laser machines can only print in black and white, but now there are an increasing number of affordable color laser printers that print both in black and white and in color. Click here to read more about color laser printers.

Workplace Violence Policy and Prevention

Provided by HRNext.com

Yield

Nothing is foolproof — but the use of the following procedures and precautions will help an employer strengthen security at its workplace.

Establish a written violence policy. Distribute a copy to each employee and require a signed memo of receipt and understanding. Send messages through email and voice mail; post the policy on bulletin boards and in the employee handbook.

Will cartridges and toner last for years and years if I don't print many pages and sometimes go a few months without using my printer at all?

In response to a serious workplace incident, Polaroid Corp. set up a workplace violence program. Following are components of that program along with several other steps recommended by violence prevention experts:

• Form a crisis team (that includes at least one representative of senior management) to lead the company's efforts to avoid workplace violence. The team's primary responsibility will be to track incidents of violence throughout the company and to train supervisors in violence prevention.
  
  
• Give the crisis team the authority to create a policy of zero tolerance for violence, including serious verbal abuse. This is probably the most important violence prevention step an employer can take. Employers must make no exception, and if any propensity for violence is noticed — a  severe loss of temper, for example — it must be noted in a memo and appropriate disciplinary procedures should be taken. If an employer is aware that an employee has a inclination toward violence and does nothing about it, the employer may be liable for intentional harm if harm results.
  
  
• Give the crisis team the authority to respond to emerging issues and handle decision–making responsibilities if violence should occur.
  
  
• Get to know local law enforcement. Discuss your circumstances with the local police department and work out procedures with it. Also try to arrange for police safety presentations on–site.
  
  
• In every possible instance, refer a worker under stress, or one with severe problems or fears at home, to a resource (e.g., a psychologist, social worker, security consultant, attorney, or an Employee Assistance Program) for help.

Fixes for common problems

Q: My inkjet cartridge doesn't fit, but I'm sure it's the right one for my machine. Any suggestions? ost workplaces become accustomed to them.

The choice really depends upon the workplace. For example, many hospitals have installed metal detectors, because a major part of workplace violence occurs at health care and social services workplaces. Schools, unfortunately, are beginning to use metal detectors for protection of students and employees. Retail stores, although they are often visited by violence associated with robbery, have not yet succumbed to detectors because they impede shoppers. Metal detectors are not cheap to purchase or administer (at least one and probably more employees are necessary to make them work properly) but they may turn out to provide a big savings — in lives, morale, and money.

Depending upon the size of the business, many employers these days have at least one security guard.

Train supervisors to address problems promptly and to never ignore an employee's violent behavior; supervisors should always discuss it right away with the individual. Teach supervisors to defuse conflicts, calm tempers, probe for workplace grievances or personal problems, and encourage employees to talk about them. Train employees in conflict resolution and stress management.

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¹Install bright lighting, panic buttons, and curved mirrors at hallway intersections. Ensure that there are several exits, some of which may be locked from the outside, not from the inside.

The information contained in this article is only an overview of the subject matter made for general guidance to the reader, and is subject in all cases to limitations and disclaimers set forth in Staples' Legal Terms and Conditions.