7 Stationery Items You Shouldn’t Be Without at Work

Make no mistake, stationery is still as important as ever in the workplace. Even though our reliance on digital tools has grown stronger, you can’t beat convenient and reliable stationery. They’re simple, everyday tools that keep your work flowing smoothly.

Stationery isn’t just pens and paper; there’s a wide range of products that can be used in any type of office. Let’s take a look at seven of the most essential items for your office desk.

1. Notebooks

No matter what industry you’re working in, nothing beats notebooks for brainstorming ideas or writing reminders. While you may rely on making notes on your computer, laptop or phone, there’s something satisfying about jotting down thoughts on paper. Plus, it looks more professional in an ever-digital world.

Different types of notebooks have their own uses. For example, A4 notebooks are ideal for writing detailed notes that you can refer back to, whereas A5 notebooks offer a portable option for writing on the go or making quick reminders.

Ultimately, the best option will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Some people prefer notebooks with grid paper for sketching out plans or designs. Others may lean towards lined notebooks for more structured note-taking.

One tip is to keep one notebook for each project to stay organised. This way, you won’t have to flick back and forth through pages to find what you need.

2. Pens

It’s handy to have a notebook, but it’s utterly useless if you don’t have anything to write with. That’s why pens are perhaps the most essential tool in your stationery arsenal. No desk is complete without them.

Any old pen can do the job in a pinch, but there are plenty of types to choose from if you’re after the best writing experience. Some standout choices include:

• Ballpoint pens: The go-to choice for many due to their reliability and long-lasting ink. They’re suitable for everyday writing tasks and are less prone to smudging.
• Gel pens: If you’re after smooth, bold lines, gel pens are a great option. They come in a variety of colours and provide a vibrant finish, perfect for making your notes stand out.
• Fountain pens: Known for their elegance and smooth writing experience, these pens use liquid ink and are refillable. They offer a unique touch for more professional writing.
• Rollerball pens: These combine the convenience of ballpoint pens with the smooth writing of fountain pens. They use water-based ink for fluid writing and rich lines, though they may smudge more easily than ballpoint pens.

For the best results, try to keep a selection of pens rather than just one type. Different projects and circumstances could mean you need variety.

3. Sticky Notes

Walk into any office and you’re bound to find sticky notes across the board. Not only are they perfect for keeping reminders, but you can use them to organise tasks, highlight important information, or even leave a note for a colleague.

They can be stuck to your computer screen, desk, or even inside notebooks for quick reference. With various sizes and colours, they allow you to categorise different types of reminders or tasks. This is helpful if you need to differentiate between personal notes and work tasks at a glance.

4. Paper

What’s an office without paper? It’s not just for writing on, it also serves a purpose for printing, faxing and scanning. In many ways, it is the lifeblood of any office environment. After all, the last thing you want to see is an empty paper drawer in your printer when you need to print something urgent.

There are two main types of paper to use. Standard copier paper is your typical A4 white sheet suited for everyday office tasks. Then there’s premium paper, which often features a heavier weight and smoother finish, ideal for client documents and presentations.
Both types of paper differ significantly, both visually and to the touch.

You also need to consider other aspects, like paper weight (gsm). It may not seem like a significant factor, but it makes a big difference in quality. If you work in a large office that prints daily, it’s worth buying paper in bulk to avoid running out at inconvenient times.

5. Hole Punch

This is one of those tools that you don’t realise is important until you need it. Every office should have one, but that’s not always the case. Without one, you’ll soon find there’s no real way to neatly organise your documents into binders without resorting to awkward folding or tearing.

Though a stapler (another essential) can attach papers, a hole punch offers a cleaner, more organised option, ready to add to binders or folders. This not only helps maintain a professional appearance but also makes it easier to access the information you need quickly.

6. Highlighters

For over 45 years, highlighter pens have been a staple in both educational and professional settings. They make it effortless to organise information quickly, on paper or in books.
They can be used to emphasise deadlines, note key passages in reports, or label action points in your meeting notes.

Although you could use a regular pen to underline text, highlighters are much more effective, drawing attention through vibrant colours.

All in all, these pens are great for visual workers who prefer colour-coded reminders. You can use them to create a simple colour-coding system so you’re able to quickly identify different types of information.

7. Folders & Document Wallets

Sometimes it’s hard to keep key papers and documents protected. If you work in a small office or manage client files regularly, folders and document wallets become indispensable. They are perfect for both storing and organising paperwork securely without having to fold it or risk tearing.

There are a number of types of folders and document wallets available to suit various needs. For example:

• Plastic wallets: Great for everyday use, ideal when you need to transport documents between meetings or different office locations.
• Lever-arch folders: Perfect for filing larger amounts, often coming with sturdy metal rings, making them durable for frequent use.
• Accordion-style files: Ideal for organising multiple projects, offering a practical solution to keep paperwork sorted by category, date, or priority.

If you’re a hybrid worker in particular, you’ll know firsthand the importance of having a reliable system for keeping your documents in order. Moving between home and the office could mean your files are easily misplaced or damaged, but with a robust folder or document wallet, you can avoid such risks.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, it’s the little things like stationery that keep an office running smoothly. While technology continues to dominate how we work, traditional tools remain the backbone of office life.Having the right office stationery at your desk means you’ll always be prepared to tackle whatever tasks are thrown your way. Whether it’s for jotting down a sudden idea, keeping documents secure, or highlighting key information before a meeting, these essentials ensure you won’t be caught out when you need them most.