Why Your Office Feels Empty and What to Do About It in 2026
If your office feels quieter than it used to, you’re not imagining it.
Insights, tips, and industry news from the Warehouse Direct team.
If your office feels quieter than it used to, you’re not imagining it.
A surprising number of the coffee-related calls we get don’t start with “we want something new.” or "we are thinking about offering coffee"
They start with:
Some gifts are memorable. Others are meaningful. In 2026, the best workplace gifts do both: they show appreciation and support the whole person, whether that’s through wellness, teamwork, celebration, or everyday use.
As winter approaches across the Chicagoland area, facility managers, school administrators, and property owners face an important decision: Which ice melt products to stock for the season?
At first glance, the cheapest option may look attractive. But bargain ice melt often comes with hidden costs. damaging your property, breaking down your equipment, and requiring constant reapplication. In the end, the “savings” vanish, leaving you with higher expenses and bigger risks.
This guide breaks down the true cost of low-quality ice melt and shows how premium products deliver safer surfaces, longer-lasting infrastructure, and real long-term savings.
Office furniture used to be something you bought once and forgot about. But in today’s workplace, shaped by hybrid schedules, tighter budgets, and evolving employee expectations, your furniture plays a much bigger role in how people work, collaborate, and feel at work.
The holidays are the perfect time to celebrate partnerships, from your internal team to your valued clients. At Warehouse Direct, we make gifting easy, meaningful, and on-brand with solutions that fit every workplace and budget.
The office coffee pot isn’t what it used to be. In 2026, employees expect more, better coffee, healthier snacks, and breakrooms that actually make coming into the office worth it. With hybrid schedules, tight budgets, and a renewed focus on employee well-being, every detail of your breakroom has become part of the workplace experience.
Do you ever wonder what the difference between "Eco-friendly," "sustainable," "biodegradable," and "post-consumer waste" are? You're not alone. The world of environmental purchasing can feel like learning a new language. We understand that navigating these terms while trying to make smart business decisions can be overwhelming. We're here to help demystify these concepts and show you how they directly impact your business operations, bottom line, and environmental footprint.
As your complete workplace solutions partner, we want to keep you informed about upcoming federal tariffs that may affect pricing across multiple industries and product categories.
On March 12, 2025, new government tariffs will take effect, leading to industry-wide price adjustments across all suppliers and manufacturers. These changes extend beyond just steel and aluminum, affecting various raw materials and finished products. Here's what businesses need to know:
Federal Tariff Changes:
• Primary materials tariffs (including steel and aluminum): 25% on imports
• Expanded import duties across multiple categories
• Additional country-specific trade adjustments
• Changes affecting both raw materials and finished goods
Potential Areas Impacted:
These government-mandated changes may affect products across all workplace categories and suppliers.