Computer gifts - gift ideas for human resource computer gurus - Management of HR Systems

HR Magazine, Nov, 1993 by Sandra E. O'Connell

Paper and peripherals. Just like a Barbie doll, a computer soon needs its own accessories--a mouse, a mouse house, fancy paper and other extras. Among our personal favorites are the papers available from Paper-Direct (1-800-A-PAPERS). Their catalog is stocked with items useful to the small HR department. The two-color papers for laser printers with "ATTENTION" printed laterally on the left margin or the red, bold "FYI" could be used for employee announcements. Boxes with 500 sheets are just under $100.

A company dinner coming up? Why not send the invitations on recycled parchment paper, which sells for $24.95 for 500 sheets. For sheer dazzle, nothing beats Desktop Color Foil ($19.95). The foil is run through the laser printer to produce a color image. A roll of matte silver or red prism could brighten your next training presentation.

Power Up!, a software catalog company in San Mateo, Calif., (1-800-851-2917), offers a 30-day guarantee and a wide range of low-end software for general office use. One item designed to relieve the workload in a busy HR department is Spinnaker Labels for Windows ($29.95), which will make it easier to create labels from any database. Is your schedule more frantic than usual? Top Priority says it will give you "full control over your busy life"; it tracks project schedules, to-do lists, deadlines and meetings. Fed up with multiple forms and ready to give the department a new look? The Form-Worx package can help you save a lot on your printing bill ($69.95 for the Windows version and $49.95 for the DOS version). The Power Up! catalog also has some great at-home software.

While shopping, you may want to pick up a few items for yourself. I'm torn between the circuit-board clip-board and GameTek's version of "Jeopardy."

Sandra E. O'Connell is president of Triad Solutions, a firm located in Herndon, Va., specializing in selection and installation of HR software. O'Connell is contributing editor of MANAGEMENT OF HR SYSTEMS and a frequent speaker on the uses of technology in human resources.