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Bria Murray / June 8, 2026

A clear desk creates a clear mind: tips and ideas to optimize your workspace

Your work set up, whether it be at a public office or out of your home, may be something you don’t really take into consideration on daily basis. It might just simply be a means to an end for you. However, it might be affecting your workday more than you think. The way your workspace is set up may not only influence your productivity but also impact your mental wellness without you even realizing it.

Why does this matter?

It may seem obvious to some, but optimizing your workspace in a way that benefits the flow of your day will only make you more successful within your chosen profession. Not only can doing so improve speed and efficiency, but staying organized can also have a positive impact on your mindset and overall mental well-being. Experts have found that clutter has a negative impact on your mental health.

Studies from Princeton University and others have provided evidence that clutter may have a negative influence on the body as it can contribute to anxiety, depression, and higher levels of cortisol. In the report it states, “Evidence suggests that having a messy, cluttered environment can create stress and interfere with your ability to concentrate, at least for some people. The actual act of cleaning and decluttering can boost your mood, help you move your body more, improve focus, and help you feel more in control of your surroundings”.

To be clear, this is not the case for everyone, but there is no harm in knowing evidence-based tips that could help you further your career.

Organizational tips from the professionals.

To successfully implement organizational habits into your daily routine, you need to find out what works best depending on what you use your desk/workspace for. For example, if you require tools or materials regularly, you may need space for a functional shelf to keep everything organized.  On the other hand, if you hold a more creative position where you need open space, than it might be best to keep your workspace free of clutter and other items that might get in the way.

No matter what career path you’re on, here are some general desk organization tips from professionals:

  • Declutter – this is the obvious first step as you can’t begin to have an organized space if your desk is in disarray
  • Smart storage tools – as mentioned above, depending on what your workspace is used for, most likely you will have items in your space you use daily. Invest in space-saving shelves or storage solutions to keep the items in arms reach while also tucked away.
  • Multipurpose accessories – find products that hold more than one function to save space. Items such as a laptop riser with drawers or a filing system that also has compartments for pens, paperclips, and/or a calculator.
  • Incorporate daily routines – be sure to take time each day to put everything back where it’s supposed to go, even if it’s only a quick tidy. The more organized your space is, the less time this should take.
  • Make use of labels – label items such as drawers, bins, folders, and/or files. This will save you time and the burden of not being able to locate an item in an efficient manner.
  • Reset your desk – if you notice you are not using an item on a regular basis, store the item

In conclusion..

Many people underestimate how much small daily habits influence productivity, focus, and mental clarity. In the workplace, there are often multiple stressors adding to either a disruption in workplace routine or creating unnecessary mental strain. Why not try the tips above? After all, when your space is organized, your mind can be too.

Bria Murray / June 1, 2026

Should you buy or rent your business’ uniforms and linens?

Depending on the industry, uniforms and/or linens might be an expense your business needs to account for.  Businesses within the restaurant, hospitality, and healthcare industries, among others, are big contributors towards the uniform and linen industry. Companies like these usually need to budget a large amount towards items like employee uniforms, bedding linens, table linens, hospital gowns, etc.  Due to that fact, many businesses question what the best, cost-effective method is when obtaining this service. 

What are my options? 

Like all aspects of owning a business, you need to do your research on what is required when building your company and the cost that goes along with it. In terms of uniforms and linens, there are normally two routes you can take: you can outsource this service and acquire a vendor to rent them to you, or you can purchase the materials you require outright. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of both. 

Using a rental company 

Most businesses that use linens on a daily basis depend on a high volume of product in order to successfully function. This means you will need the staff available to wash, organize, and distribute the product, industrial sized (in most cases) washing/drying machines, detergent/cleaning supplies to maintain the linens, and also the room to store everything. When using a rental company, all of these tasks are done for you.  

Here are some pros to using a rental company: 

  • No large cost upfront: when you use a rental company, for the most part it will be a monthly fee versus the large initial sum if you purchase. Having a standard monthly payment that you can fit into your budget will help you keep control of finances. Using a third party company to assist in getting the best rate is your best bet. 
  • Regular linen maintenance included: this means no need to pay an employee to wash/organize the linen, and you also have access to repairs and replacements as needed. 
  • More options: when you purchase you are limited to the linen types/quantities you own, however if you rent you are privy to make changes to your linen order depending on customer needs, seasonal changes, or business demands. 
  • High quality product: most reliable linen rental companies hold a high standard when it comes to linen quality and go through strict quality control, resulting in your company receiving good quality product. 
  • Less storage required: when you rent, you should, in theory, be able to be selective about how much stock you have on hand at all times, without having to store any surplus on site. Sometimes it takes reviewing invoices and deliveries to find the right balance. 

Now for some cons:  

  • Continuous costs: with any rental, not owning means you’ll always have ongoing costs, especially if the company does an annual price increase. 
  • Fees and other hidden/extra charges: if you aren’t careful, you may find the rental company charging you extra for fees such as service/delivery, damage/replacement, and/or shelf charges. Tip: consider a consulting company to negotiate these fees on your behalf. 
  • Restrictions on branding/customization: if you are in an industry that would benefit from linens with certain designs or branding, or if your business wants a certain look, you may find yourself limited on the choices you have when renting. 

Owning your own linens 

 If you have a bigger company(a substantial hospitality business for example) with lots of room for storage, a large staff listing, and require specific branding for your uniforms and linens, owning your own linens might be an option for you.  

Some pros of owning linens are: 

  • Reduced long-term cost: when you own your own uniforms and linens, you will likely need to initially provide a larger one-time fee to acquire the product, however this means no monthly payment is required. 
  • Control over quality: owning linen means you have total control over the quality of product you purchase, the washing process, and maintenance of your linens. These aspects could be an issue if you go with an unreliable rental company. 
  • Consistent availability: having all your linens already on site and available to you without having to worry about any delays or product shortages is another pro of owning.  
  • Customizable branding: as opposed to renting, purchasing your linen allows you to choose the exact linen that will elevate your business. You have freedom to embroider your branding or choose a higher end product. 

On the other hand, here are some cons with owning linens: 

  • Unexpected maintenance/replacement fees: regular wear-and-tear is expected when linens are used regularly, which means even though you had the initial purchase of the product, you will also need to spend more money on replacement items when there is damage or the quality has diminished due to use. 
  • Staff and materials required to maintain linen: part of the initial investment when purchasing linen will need to be items like industrial grade washing machines/dryers, cleaning products, etc. Not only that, you will have to budget for hiring staff to maintain the linen. 
  • Storing the linen: you will also need to have space to store the entire quantity of the linen you own. This means you may need to invest in storage solutions to maintain optimal production. 

In conclusion.. 

Whether you should choose to own or rent linens ultimately depends on the specific needs, budget, and priorities of your business. Renting provides flexibility, reduced maintenance, and lower upfront costs, while owning offers long-term control, customization, and convenience.  Both options come with their own advantages and challenges, making it important to carefully consider what works for your company. By understanding the differences between the two, you can make a decision that best supports your overall goals.  

 

Michelle Soper / May 25, 2026

What makes a good manager?

When it comes to work, managers can really make it or break it for their employees. A bad manager can cause their employees to feel unsupported by leadership, unsatisfied in their current role, and ultimately, burnout. A good manager leaves their employees feeling supported by leadership, empowered to complete their work independently and inspired to strive for more.  

In this issue of the Pulse, we discuss what qualities make for a good manager and the impact they can have on their employees. 

They’re accessible to their team. 

A good manager is accessible to their employees, whether they need their time off approved, have questions, or need their work reviewed. Now, this doesn’t have to mean being constantly available to your employees, as you likely have your own work that you need focus time to complete, but setting dedicated one-on-one time with each of your employees and getting back to them within a reasonable timeframe can go a long way. 

They recognize when their employees do a good job.  

Praising your employees for their hard work makes them feel seen and like what they do matters, but many employees aren’t receiving the recognition or praise they feel they deserve. In fact, according to a report by Gallup, only 22% of employees strongly agree that they get the right amount of recognition for the work they do. Meanwhile, the same report shows that employees who believe they are getting the recognition they deserve are more likely to be engaged and less likely to leave their job. 

They genuinely care about the well-being of their employees. 

As nice as it would be if employees could keep their personal life separate from work, that’s not always possible. Throughout the span of their working career, your employees are likely to go through obstacles in their life that will, understandably, bleed into their professional life—the death of a loved one, unplanned home renovations, a sick child, etc. A good manager recognizes this and does their best to support their employees through these times, whether that’s allowing them to have extended time off, working from home, or simply lending an ear. 

They try to uplift their team members. 

A good manager cares about the career growth and advancement of their team members, not just their own. This looks like giving them opportunities to learn new skills, bringing them onto bigger projects with senior leadership, and promoting employees into new roles as they see fit.  

In conclusion … 

Having a good manager is crucial to the well-being of your employees and the company overall. Whether promoting internally or hiring externally, choosing who to make a manager is a decision that should not be taken lightly. 

Bria Murray / May 18, 2026

Matching your business with the right internet solution

Since so much of today’s business happens online, it’s clear that choosing the right internet service provider is more important than ever. Things like internet speed, data management, how often outages happen, and how quickly issues are resolved all need to be taken into consideration. Choosing the right internet provider is important, but so is selecting the right type of internet, as businesses often require faster, more reliable service than standard residential internet can provide.  After all, time is money, and even small disruptions can quickly add up and have an impact on your bottom line. 

What is business internet? 

Business internet is a high-performance broadband solution built to support the higher demands of companies and organizations.  When compared to residential internet, the internet solution you choose should support all the services your business relies on to function effectively.  

What you need to consider. 

There are nearly 3,000 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the United States alone, which makes choosing one for your business all the more challenging.  Factors such as bandwidth, speed, uptime/reliability, customer support, and security are imperative to take into consideration when making a selection. For reference, your bandwidth needs will increase with the more employees your business has working on-premises using that network.   

Business internet service types. 

Along with choosing a provider, you will need to go through all the options the provider offers and compare the specs to find what’s right for your business. The different options include: 

  • Dial-up: slow speed, an outdated option 
  • Satellite: still being researched/developed, ideal for remote businesses 
  • Digital subscriber line (DSL): considered an aging option, reasonably reliable 
  • Fixed wireless: designed for outdoor use, ideal for rural areas 
  • Cellular: ideal for retail businesses using point-of-sale systems 
  • Cable: baseline for sufficient download speeds, this option has been the gold standard the last 10 years 
  • Fiber-optic: if available, this is the most reliable and fastest option on the market today 

How do you know what’s right for you? 

The internet plan you choose entirely depends on the type of organization you have. Some aspects you’ll need to account for are size/number of employees, your location/location of the provider itself, the tasks you will need the internet usage for, and your budget. For example, if your company is small with only a few employees using the internet for certain tasks and high speed is not imperative, DSL or cable internet might be easier on your budget. However, if you have a moderate or large company with a sizeable number of employees using the internet for numerous tasks where speed and reliability are crucial, fiber internet would be the better option if it fits in the budget and is available in your area. 

Follow the steps below to find the right plan for your business: 

  1. Determine the speed you require – take into account the number of devices with internet access as well as the tasks employees are performing with those devices. 
  2. Decide how reliable your connection needs to be – if your business relies heavily on the internet for a multitude of your services/duties, it’s safe to assume reliability is a must for your business. 
  3. Check what providers are available in your area – if your business is in a rural area, finding a provider might be more restrictive. 
  4. Do your research and compare prices of the plans available to you – conduct a thorough analysis on the specs and cost of each option to find which one is best for your bottom line. 
  5. Consult fellow business owners and/or read reviews and ratings of each provider – online reviews are helpful, but inquiring with your peers may give you more insight.  

Why it matters. 

While it may not be an obvious concern initially, choosing the wrong internet solution for your business could have a severe impact on your organization as a whole. Today, it is almost guaranteed some (if not most) of your business functions occur online, making the internet imperative for running your business successfully – are you choosing the right one?  

Michelle Soper / May 12, 2026

The benefits of sponsoring local sports teams

Chances are, you’ve driven by a soccer field at some point in your life and noticed the names on the back of the players’ jerseys or you’ve sat in a hockey arena and seen the rink board advertisements, but you likely haven’t given them much thought beyond that. In this issue of the Pulse, we’ll explore the cost of sponsoring a sports team and the benefits, for the businesses doing the sponsoring, the sports teams that get sponsored, and beyond. 

Sponsoring a local sports team can be fairly inexpensive, ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand per season, according to TeamSnap. The price of the sponsorship will vary depending on the sport, the package you pick—will your logo be featured on their website, a banner, the back of their jerseys, or all of the above? It will also depend on what league the team you are sponsoring is in, with travel teams being more expensive than house league teams. By having sponsorship options at different price points, businesses can pick a package that fits their budget. So, what are the benefits of sponsoring a sports team? Why do so many businesses do it?  

It helps get your name out there.  

Probably the most obvious benefit of sponsoring a sports team is that it gets your name out there. Having your company’s name on the back of a team’s jersey or on a banner at a sports field allows your name to be seen by a large number of people, including coaches, players, parents and any other spectators that may have come to watch the team play. This can be especially beneficial for new businesses who don’t have national brand recognition or haven’t been in the community for generations.     

It helps endear people to you.  

People want to do business with people they like, and sponsoring a local sports team is a great way to build relationships with  residents and show you care about the community. Sports is something that many people are very passionate about, so if you choose to sponsor a team that you have a personal connection with, it will be even easier for you to build genuine connections over it. 

It can help you build connections. 

If you sponsor a sports team and make it a point to attend the games, you never know who you may end up connecting with. Any of the coaches, players, parents or other spectators could be a potential client or referral partner for you, and you never know who they may know and be able to introduce you to as well.  

It helps keep sports affordable for people to participate in. 

Sponsors help offset the purchase costs of team jerseys and club equipment for sports organizations and allows them to keep registration fees affordable. Keeping the registration fees low is important, as cost can be a significant barrier to entry. In fact, according to a national survey of parents by the Aspen Institute’s Project Play initiative and Utah State University’s Families in Sport Lab, youth ages 6-18 from low-income homes quit sports because of the financial costs at six times the rate of kids from high-income homes.  

It helps the people in your community have better health, interpersonal, educational and employment outcomes.  

By keeping sports more affordable, and therefore, more accessible, you are contributing to the people in your community having better health, interpersonal, educational and employment outcomes. Playing sports is a great form of physical activity, which the American Heart Association says can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, help you manage stress and tension, boost your energy level, and help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. According to the University of San Diego, research also suggests that former student athletes are more productive at work and see as much as 7%–8% higher annual earnings than those who did not participate in youth sports. 

In conclusion… 

There are numerous benefits of sponsoring a local sports team. Businesses should consider sponsoring a team in their area for the benefit of not only themselves, but also the community as a whole. 

Cal Wilson / May 4, 2026

Common errors with natural gas metering that may be costing you

Many businesses and organizations use natural gas for heating and other operational processes. However, this is no small expense. Apart from inefficiencies with usage, one of the main issues that leads to increased invoices with this expense are metering issues.  

In this article, we’re looking at metering issues that may be increasing your business’ natural gas expenses.  

Metering is important. 

Metering and submetering are important practices so utility companies can charge fair rates for their customers’ usage. Metering measures the energy delivered from the utility into your building or facility. Compared to a flat rate system, this means in theory, you’re only paying for what you use, on top of general fees.  

The difference between metering and submetering can be crucial for how you are billed. Metering measures the entire building or facility’s consumption. This is convenient if your business is in a standalone facility, connected to no other businesses or residences. For multi-unit buildings, submetering can be preferential. Submetering is used to measure the amount of energy for a specific purpose or area within the building. 

Some organizations with standalone facilities may still use submetering. For example, property management companies or higher education institutions may want to submeter their units.  

What are common mistakes with natural gas metering or submetering? 

There are many common mistakes that might result in billing errors when it comes to your natural gas expenses. These are mistakes made by the utility, not the customer. These include: 

  • Improper installation: when a meter is installed improperly, it will likely impact the accuracy and consistency of readings. 
  • Failing to perform regular calibration: this is when, after a meter is installed and running, the utility doesn’t perform regular checks to ensure it doesn’t drift out of calibration. Over time, it’s natural for certain components to shift or wear down, but this can lead to inaccurate readings. 
  • Improper readings in cold weather: change in temperature, specifically in cold environments, can provide inaccurate readings. This is especially hard on your budget, as you’re likely already spending more during these months.  

What steps can you take to prevent meter reading issues? 

While some errors are mistakes by the utility, some are also customer related. Or can at least be prevented by the customer. These include: 

  • Obstructions or blockages: sometimes, obstructions and blockages can impact fluid flow or cause inaccurate or inconsistent readings. 
  • Sensor fouling: depending on your environment, your meter might be prone to build ups like calcium, magnesium, grime, oil, slime, or more. It could also rust over time. This can impact the readings. 

In conclusion… 

For businesses using natural gas, metering and submetering are important parts of your invoice process. However, errors and damage can lead to inflated costs over time.  

Cal Wilson / April 28, 2026

How to Be a Great Listener

Have you ever left a meeting thinking: everyone talked, but nothing was achieved? Chances are that people were listening to each other, just not in the same way. Listening experts Maegan Stephens and Nicole Lowenbraun unpack the four different ways to listen, sharing a practical framework that could change how you respond, build trust and get results — starting with just one simple question.

Cal Wilson / April 20, 2026

Solutions for nonprofits struggling with rising fuel costs

As the global fuel market becomes increasingly unstable, many nonprofits that rely on fuel for their programming may be struggling to stretch their funding to match rising prices.  

Communities rely on nonprofit fuel usage 

Nonprofit fuel usage may not be at the top of donors’ minds, but it’s a critical expense to many organizations and their programming. Different missions that rely on fuel usage include: 

  • Food banks and meal delivery programs 
  • Seniors’ programs 
  • Cancer support organizations, and comparable organizations 
  • Programs providing medical supplies to those in need 
  • Programs providing transportation 

These are no small feats. The Calgary Food Bank, for example, spends “an average of $10,000 in fuel each month.” Similarly, Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino, in California says they are anticipating spending $140,000 this year in transportation costs alone. The latter organization anticipates having to redirect funding intended for other programming into their fuel budgets as costs continue to rise.  

Fuel costs impact everything 

Fuel costs don’t increase in a bubble. Since they directly impact the entire supply chain, nonprofits will find the cost of many of their supplies also increases. 

Likewise, times of high fuel expenses naturally lead to fewer donations and volunteers, as it becomes less affordable for some to donate their time or money. For example, programs where people volunteer to drive those in need to appointments or on shopping excursions may find fewer volunteer commitments than normal.  

How do nonprofits keep serving communities amidst rising prices?  

Understandably, with rising costs and dwindling donations, some nonprofit leaders are afraid for the future. One strategy to combat unpredictable fuel expenses are organizational fuel cards. In fact, some providers even offer special rates and discounts for nonprofit organizations.  

In a nutshell, a fleet card (or fuel card) is a type of payment card that allows for easy management of expenses associated with organization-owned vehicles. They can provide the following advantages: 

  • Accurate records and flexible reporting 
  • Spending history and budget control 
  • Driver convenience when refuelling 
  • Reduction to fuel expenses 

This is an option if you have organization-owned vehicles, but what if you don’t? Fuel cards are only one cost reduction strategy that frees up funds without impacting programming or requiring more donations and fundraising. Other cost reduction strategies targeting expenses such as payment processing, waste disposal, phone and internet services, and more can all add room to your fuel budget and other programs without taking away from your mission. 

 

Cal Wilson / April 14, 2026

Deliver Hard News with Compassion

The hardest leadership moments are the ones you’re tempted to avoid. But delaying tough conversations only makes things worse. Arthur C. Brooks shows why compassion is what allows great leaders to act decisively—facing hard truths head-on while strengthening trust.

 

Bria Murray / April 6, 2026

Stop letting high water and sewage bills be a drain on your bottom line

Water and sewage bills are comprised of multiple components; for businesses those components are extensive and complex, setting them apart from residential bills and making them more challenging to interpret.  Even when you crunch the numbers, it might feel like it’s not adding up. The reality is that your business’ high water bills are most likely the result of hidden leaks and confusion surrounding sewer charges.  In this article, we will go over these hidden costs as well as other factors affecting your water bill.  

Industrial water waste  

Leaks and inefficient use mean that globally about 30% of water is wasted per day – the equivalent of around 9.5 trillion litres. That is equal to approximately 64 billion bathtubs.  These numbers not only put into perspective the reality of water waste, but the severe impact of leaks. If your business is housed on a commercial property, it is more than likely your property is victim to hidden, underground leaks that are unknown to the owners, resulting in gallons of water wasted.  Medium also brings forth another critical reason for high water and sewage bills – evaporation. Utility companies base their charges on the water entering your building, since most of it returns to the building as sewage. However, many commercial properties use certain industrial equipment such as cooling towers and irrigation systems, which causes most of that water to evaporate and therefore never even become sewage. Unfortunately, this doesn’t help your bill, because you are still getting charged for it.   

You might be flushing your money down the drain – literally 

Businesses must account not only for water waste from large-scale industrial systems, but also for inefficiencies caused by everyday equipment that may be faulty or under-performing.  A leaking toilet can waste nearly 100 gallons of water each day, while a dripping tap can lead to even greater water loss over time. Companies with commercial properties often overlook these issues as other priorities are usually more prevalent. It is important to note that these inefficiencies not only waste water, but also contribute to higher sewage bills.  

What can your business do? 

Even though these issues can cause significant financial and system impacts, there are steps you can take to improving the over health of your business:  

  • Make sure you invest in up-to-date, advanced water sensor monitors – these systems will allow your company to view accurate data required to swiftly locate leaks. 
  • Claim evaporation credits – these water sensor monitors can also calculate how much water your cooling towers evaporate. Using this data, your utility company will allow you to apply for credits in order to reduce your sewer charges. 
  • Install modern equipment and technology – a simple change such as purchasing high efficiency toilets can decrease water usage tremendously, while preventing waste. Businesses in the restaurant industry can invest in touch-free faucets and high-pressure sprayers, these increase health and safety while conserving water.  

 In conclusion… 

Whether your business is considered industrial or if it sits on a smaller scale, it still can fall victim to water and sewage waste. Although they may seem minor in the grand scheme, these issues can easily be overlooked and wreak havoc on your systems. Luckily if you are proactive, there are solutions available so your company can hold its bottom line with confidence.