When office supplies aren’t ordered or managed properly, businesses can face a range of negative consequences. From wasted resources to health and safety risks, the impact of office supply mismanagement can be devastating to a business’s bottom line and daily operations. Here are the consequences of poor office supply management:
Wasted Resources and Excess Inventory
One of the most immediate consequences of mismanaging office supplies is the accumulation of excess inventory. Overordering supplies, whether due to poor tracking systems or communication, ties up financial resources in supplies that go unused or cleaning products that expire. The money spent on overstock could have been better allocated to other business expenses. Keeping an excess of supplies can also take up valuable storage space, creating organizational inefficiencies.
Slowing Down Productivity
The risk of mismanaging office supplies doesn’t only lie in excess inventory but also not enough. Running out of essential office supplies, including printer paper, pens or even cleaning products can cause delays in daily operations. When the supplies they need aren’t available, coworkers can’t complete their tasks efficiently, slowing down productivity in the office.
Increased Costs
The costs associated with office supply mismanagement are often higher than businesses expect. When inventory isn’t tracked properly and ordering systems aren’t optimized to meet business needs, this often leads to wasted supplies, unnecessary purchases and delays. When coworkers scramble to find supplies that aren’t there, you may be forced to make last-minute purchases at a higher price for faster shipping. While you wait for your shipment, operations could be delayed, resulting in further expenses and wasted resources.
Compromised Workplace Health and Safety
Failing to keep adequate cleaning products and supplies on hand can have a direct impact on workplace health and safety. Not only does it mean decreased productivity but it also means risking coworker health. In more severe cases, it could mean violating health and safety regulations. These simple supply management missteps can have huge consequences on offices. Maintaining a consistent inventory of cleaning supplies is crucial to keeping a hygienic workplace for staff and visitors, as well as complying with regulatory standards.
Missed Sustainability Opportunities
Without a clear plan for office supply management, offices often miss opportunities to minimize waste and reduce their carbon footprint. Overordering supplies means increased shipping, contributing to excess greenhouse gas emissions. In terms of cleaning products, poor supply management can mean choosing inappropriate cleaning solutions or ignoring eco-friendly options. Green cleaning products are often packaged using recyclable materials, offering offices more opportunities to reduce waste and protect the planet. When you ignore sustainability, you ignore opportunities to reduce waste and carbon emissions as well as potential cost savings.
Negative Impact on Team Morale
Constant shortages or poor management of office and cleaning supplies can create frustration among your team. When coworkers struggle to access basic supplies or work in an untidy, unsanitary environment, it lowers morale and can lead to reduced productivity. Over time, this dissatisfaction can harm the company culture and cause significant damage to the company’s reputation. Ensuring the availability of essential office supplies is key to keeping your team motivated and productive.
The consequences of office supply mismanagement are widespread and can have a lasting impact on a business. Wasted resources and increased costs add up quickly. By adopting a streamlined system to manage office essentials, businesses can avoid these negative consequences and maintain a more efficient, cost-effective and positive work environment. Veritiv Pollock is a trusted, single-source supplier of office essentials, making the ordering and procurement processes convenient and efficient. From pens and paper clips to cleaning supplies and furniture, Veritiv Pollock provides everything you need for a productive office. Contact us today to partner with us!
