Five ways to prevent pens going MIA

A common problem with pens in offices is their tendency to disappear (usually innocently) in the course of the day without anybody being the wiser.

Some of us will just scratch our heads and head to the supply cabinet to replenish our stock. However, for those who are very particular with their pens or have a favourite that happened to walk away, it could set back productivity. It could even lead to a row with coworkers as a hunt for the offending party begins.

While pens are fairly inexpensive, the cost of office supplies can hurt a company’s budget if this frequently happens in a place of business, as well as have a few of your staff at loggerheads. We wouldn’t want this, of course, so here are some creative ways to keep your favourite writing implements from walking away:

Scenario: An employee absentmindedly goes home with a pen in his or her pocket and forgets about it.

Solution: Are you the one in charge of keeping tabs on your supplies and this is your frequent headache? Have each and every employee accountable for the office supplies they take. Gently remind them how many pens they’ve already asked for in such a short period. Maybe hint at how the rest of the staff compares.

“What? That’s already your third pen this week! Well here’s another one, but I don’t want to see you again for at least another month.”

Give them an office supplies “allowance” if you need to.

Scenario: An employee goes over to a colleague’s unoccupied desk and “borrows” a spare then fails to return it.

Solution: Get a reception pen with a bit of string or a chain on it. If you don’t like pulling the extra weight of a chain while you write, or your office doesn’t have them, take a page from their playbook by tying your pens to a string glued to a heavy fixture. Yes, you’ll have to do a bit of extra work but how about the hassle and expense of getting new pens now and then?

Another way — if you don’t mind — is adding some “colour” to your desk.

Think anyone will dare take your pens when they’re like this?

Scenario: Clients tend to hang onto pens after using them at the front desk or during meetings to sign in, write a check, or fill out a form.

Solution: Attach a decorative item to the pen. This dissuades people from inadvertently dropping the pen into a handbag or sticking it into a pocket. You need something that won’t get in the way of using the pen but is big and noticeable enough that no one will accidentally stick it in their pocket.

Another solution is to purchase oversized pens so that it is clear at a glance whether or not a pen belongs to a customer or the business.

At the other end of the spectrum, some businesses invest in pens that are preprinted with the company’s name, address, telephone number, and website address. The theory behind this is that if the pen does go home with someone, it is a chance to do some inexpensive advertising.

Scenario: You’re fond of putting pens in your trouser or shirt pocket, but if you’ve got a rather active day commuting and meeting with people you’ll find them nowhere in your pocket (just at the exact moment you need them!)

Solution: Get a neck pen or tie your pen to a lanyard. That way it won’t fall out of your pocket, and snap or break into pieces if you accidentally drop it.

If you have to carry a more expensive fountain pen that costs a month’s salary with you all the time, consider putting it in a sturdy carry case. Usually they’re bulky enough to remind you that your pens are still there and also protect them from accidental drops.

Scenario: A coworker accidentally intentionally takes your pen for the way it writes, the way it looks, or simply to spite you.

Solution: Now this already crosses the line from needing a spare to thievery, so it also requires a rather unique means of creativity.

What to do?

LET them take it, it’ll be more fun. But only after you’ve had it written with signs like this:

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Verdant Fields Nudist Camp — Get in touch with your OUTER self

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This article originally appeared in:

http://www.theofficesuppliessupermarket.com/articles/five-ways-to-prevent-pens-going-mia