When we think of a sustainable work environment, we quickly think of large-scale changes. Think of improved insulation, the use of solar panels or a heat pump and other sustainability measures. But did you know that even small changes can make a big difference to the nature around you? In this article we give some smart tips to make your office environment more sustainable. 

Bring your own cup or use sustainable cups 

Did you know that an average employee uses as many as 200 disposable cups a year? Thus, not only is a lot of waste produced, but also a lot of plastic is processed. So if you work full-time, it definitely pays to bring your own cup to the office. 

If this is not possible for whatever reason, you could also choose to make at least the disposable cups more sustainable. Coffee mugs printing on recycled paper, for example, is a good way to be extra sustainable. Moreover, this also gives the company more authority over customers because the logo is also incorporated on the cups. This is therefore a good alternative if you want to become more sustainable and bringing your own cups is not always possible. 

Encourage sustainable travel to the office 

Another smart way to become more sustainable and collectively do your bit for the environment is to encourage sustainable travel. For example, by bicycle or public transport. You can encourage this, for example, by providing extra secure bicycle racks at the office or by giving compensation for traveling by public transport. The employer could also choose to create carpool rides. For example, by creating groups of people who live near each other and could travel together. In this way, a more sustainable environment is easily created. 

Work less with paper 

These days, in theory, you shouldn't actually have to use paper. You can easily use a laptop or desktop computer to take notes. There are even many people who work with a tablet. 

In any case, make sure that you take as few notes on paper as possible and that texts are mainly read digitally.

Is it still necessary to print? Then print as sustainably as possible. For example, use recycled paper, print double-sided and without color and only if there is no other way. 

Flexible working 

Another way one can become more sustainable is the time they spend in the office. Flexible working has already gained tremendous momentum since the pandemic. There was plenty of experimentation even before that, but partly because of the pandemic, it has gained momentum. In fact, research shows that employees are generally happier and more efficient when they can work partially from home. Moreover, this also reduces travel to the office. Therefore, this also reduces the burden on the office. 

In the world of modern marketing and communications, the ability to communicate your message in a targeted and effective way to a specific audience is more important than ever. Narrowcasting or digital signage is a powerful tool to do just that.

More and more companies are therefore investing in digital signage. But what exactly is digital signage? And why should companies consider investing in this technology?

What is narrowcasting?

Narrowcasting is a form of communication in which specific messages are distributed to a specific audience at specific locations and times. Unlike broadcasting, where a message is broadcast to a wide audience, narrowcasting targets a targeted audience located in a particular place, such as a store, office, hotel lobby, or waiting room.

The benefits of digital signage

Targeted Communication

One of the key benefits of digital signage is the ability to tailor your message to a specific audience. By showing relevant content to people in a specific location, you can significantly increase the engagement and impact of your message.

For example, think of sales performance figures that you show only in the sales department. Or key figures that have to do with production and are therefore only shown in the production department.

Interactivity

Narrowcasting allows you to interact with your audience through touch screens, QR codes or mobile apps. This allows you to collect valuable feedback, engage users with your products, service or business and even offer personalized experiences.

Flexibility and timeliness

With narrowcasting you can quickly adapt your message. This makes it a flexible communication tool that allows you to respond to current events.

For example, you can adapt your message to changing needs, trends, or seasons. This ensures that messages always remain relevant and current, which increases the effectiveness of communication.

Improved customer experience

By providing relevant information, promotions, or entertainment in strategic locations, you can improve the overall customer experience and keep customers engaged with your brand or product longer.

For which companies is digital signage interesting?

Narrowcasting is particularly interesting for companies that:

- Have a physical location where they can interact directly with customers, such as stores, restaurants, hotels, or health care facilities.

- Want to tailor their message to a specific audience at a particular location or time.

- Want to foster interaction and gather valuable feedback from their audience.

- Want to be flexible in updating and adapting their communication content.

- Want to improve the overall customer experience and strengthen their brand.

In short, digital signage is a valuable tool for delivering targeted and impactful communications to a specific audience at the right time and place. Good to know: some vendors only provide digital signage software, which means you have to arrange screens yourself with another party. Other parties, such as MediaMyne, provide complete solutions. Decide for yourself what you are most comfortable with and take that into account during orientation.

Has your savings account thinned out considerably recently? And are you now forced to make a major expense (again)? Then you may be short of money. In that case, borrowing money is an excellent solution. But this must be done responsibly, of course. Usually you get the choice between a personal loan or revolving credit. While almost all of us have heard these terms at least once, few people really know the difference between the two. How do you make the right decision? And how do you make sure you don't cut yourself off financially?

Borrowing responsibly is how you do it

Borrowing money is still somewhat of a taboo subject. Most people have grown up with the idea that borrowing is bad. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Borrowing does indeed cost money. It is cheaper to save for yourself. Provided it is done responsibly, there is nothing against it. But it is important to make the right decisions.

Fortunately, lenders are already helping tremendously with this. For example, you can't borrow an unlimited amount of what you want. Based on your monthly income and expenses, they calculate the maximum amount you can borrow. This way you know for sure that you can also pay everything back and that you don't risk getting into trouble.

We like to think of borrowing as reverse saving. If you have a big savings goal, you will put away a monthly amount to achieve it. With borrowing, this goes the same way. Only then you will have the amount in your account sooner and then pay back parts of it yourself. In other words, reverse savings.

Consider carefully whether you really want to grab the maximum loan. If the lender has determined that this is your absolute maximum, it also means that there is very little further slack. Therefore, it may be nicer to borrow a little less than the maximum.

Differences between a personal loan and revolving credit

A personal loan is a loan where everything is fixed. This gives you a lot of extra security. The interest rate is fixed, the term is fixed and you know exactly how much you are going to pay monthly in principal and interest. This gives a lot of extra peace of mind. Moreover, this is a very good option for people who know they are having trouble making their loan payments on time. Now they have a good stick to keep themselves from getting into debt. With a personal loan, however, it is important that you know in advance how much money you need.

A revolving credit gives much more flexibility. You determine the limit together with the lender. This depends on your income. You also discuss what monthly repayments and interest will be paid. Furthermore, you get to decide how much you withdraw. Even after repayment you can withdraw again. The interest rates for revolving loans are not fixed and are usually higher than for personal loans.