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Confessions of an ‘office geek’ revealed in new stationery study

Almost half of workers (48 per cent) admit to being an 'office geek' in a new study on office life. Loving spreadsheets, owning highlighters in at least three different colours and getting enjoyment from labelling things are among the signs you are an 'office geek'.

Other indicators include loving a pen that writes well, having a Pinterest board dedicated to stationery and owning a desk tidy. Hating it when people use your desk is a sign too, along with never chewing your pens and possessing blue, black and red ballpoint pens.

Research commissioned by Lyreco found that 84 per cent of self-confessed office geeks are proud to be so.

Helen Moran, Office Category Manager at Lyreco said, "the term 'office geek' might be new to some people but as the results show it's something many people identify themselves as. In fact, it appears it's a badge of honour with so many people admitting to feeling proud of this title. Trying to have a tidy desk and owning an impressive selection of stationery is certainly nothing to be ashamed of as the research revealed that four in 10 feel these geeky traits actually make you more productive."

It seems that stationery is even good for the mind, as six in 10 office workers said they find highlighting things or using a pen that writes well actually improves their mood if they are having a bad day. Despite the digital age, pens topped a list of stationery items we can't live without followed by notebooks, paper, a stapler and sticky notes. It was also revealed that pens and staplers are the items most likely to go 'walkabout' in an office. Whilst 62 per cent always make sure they get their stationery items back when they lend them, 40 per cent don't like to loan them out at all. 

For 61 per cent, their love of stationery stems from fond childhood memories of getting new items, especially for school. It also emerged, 58 per cent of those polled admit they take pride in having 'nice' pens, notepads, rulers and other stationery and almost half of office workers (48 per cent) agreed that stationery is calming and therapeutic.  

Carried out through OnePoll.com, the research also found more than one fifth get excited when they get new stationery. 

Helen added, "we have loved delving into the lives of office workers with our latest study. There's definitely a true love for stationery and we've been fascinated to discover the geeky traits being displayed in British offices. Whilst in the past the term 'geek' may have been seen as uncool, these days people are proud to be described in this way as it is linked to productivity, organisation and calmness." 

Over the coming weeks, Lyreco will be sharing advice as part of its Confessions of an Office Geek campaign along with giveaways, blogs and special offers. 

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