Reduce waste with reusable name badges

One of the key aims for any business is the minimisation of waste. Efficient waste reduction processes are an important part of a business’s overall strategy to maximise productivity and efficiency in the workplace. With that in mind, let’s talk about name badges, which are often under-used, and unnecessarily wasted.

For large companies with a large turnover of staff, you would expect to have to replace name badges on a regular basis. You may consider getting rid of name badges altogether, but this is not recommended, as name badges have several benefits, including:

• Fostering stronger relationships between employees and clients
• Encouraging more employee accountability
• Raising workplace morale with a sense of belonging and familiarity
• Public relations and marketing benefits

Reusable name badges are the solution. Reusable name badges, if designed well, can be an easy and effective way of having the benefits of a permanent name badge, without the hassle and waste of having to constantly order new ones as employees come and go.

Re-using materials, even things as small as name badges, is one of the best ways to reduce waste. The Victorian Government has a wealth of information about recycling and reusing in the workplace. Good quality reusable name badges can be used and re-used many times, meaning you don’t have to replace name badges when staff are replaced, when employees are moved to different departments, or lose them, of if your company’s details or logo changes.

You may be surprised how convenient it is to have reusable name badges in the workplace. It’s always handy to have spares that you can give to visitors who come to the office.

Reusable name badges are also ideal for conferences or expos. If your company regularly holds networking events, then top quality reusable name badges will significantly cut the costs of producing name badges.

Not only do they reduce waste and save you the cost of purchasing new badges, they also save you the time of ordering new ones. With the right software, replacing a name badge should be as easy as entering the information, such as name and title, into a specialised computer program, printing out a slip, and inserting it into the name badge holder.

No manager wants to see high levels of wastage, and we don’t just mean the disposal of surplus materials, but also inefficient processes where staff, time and financial investment are not used as productively as they can be. Using reusable badges will not solve all your business’ productivity issues, but it’s certainly a good start.

Some other hints for minimising waste in the workplace include:

Review waste management processes. This is something that should be done regularly, so you can determine whether your company’s waste management goals are being reached. If they are not, implement better processes to reduce wastage.

Don’t over-order. It can be extremely wasteful to buy in bulk and then have to dispose of a large portion of stock. Try not to order items that can spoil before you get to use them.

Training. All staff should be trained in effective waste management, and be assessed on their waste minimisation procedures regularly.

Go paperless. Electronic communication has reduced the need for paper. Only use paper when necessary.

Reducing waste not only lowers operating costs, and improves productivity, it can also make your business more sustainable, and eco-friendly. Visit this Australian government website for more waste reduction tips.