In today's high tech workplace, we rely heavily on technology. Computers, USB drives, smartphones and the internet. But sometimes, low tech is best. Here are five old school products that are just as applicable now as they were over thirty years ago.

1. Sticky Notes

Invented by Arthur Fry in the late 1970's, sticky notes were released America wide in the 1980's. A year later in 1981, the 3M company rewarded the development team with it's outstanding new invention award, as well as it's Golden Step award - given for profitable products. No surprise either. It's a simple product but truly ingenious. Hard to believe it was only officially released in the 80's, but it's just as handy then as it is now.

2. Desktop/Wall Calendars

We have plenty of calendars available electronically. In our email programs. In the corner of our computer screens. In our smart phones. And it's made all the better by how readily accessible they are, and the fact that we can set up reminders and alarms to alert us of appointments, meetings, and events. But nothing quite beats the humble desktop or wall calendar. They have a physical presence that can't be matched by any digital calendar. Also, digital calendars don't tend to have the same visual impact when alerting you to important dates. Not like a big red circled date that you can easily see at just a glance.

3. Coffee Mug

For many people, coffee (or tea, but mostly coffee it seems) is the much needed fuel that keeps people running. That much needed dose of caffeine, once, twice, or as many times a day as necessary is the oil that keeps the wheels of business smoothly turning. It's also interesting that the coffee franchise Starbucks, so synonymous with busy businesspeople on the go, came to prominence in America during the 1980's.

4. Sneakers

Of course, you can't always be in the office. Aside from getting to and from the workplace, sometimes you've just got to walk. And in any event you try to maximise your walking. It's good for you, especially if you're sitting for too long. Walk to go get some lunch, to meet some clients, to get to events. For the ladies, having some comfortable walking shoes makes sense. For the gentlemen, why wear down more dress shoes than you have to? Of course, sneaker culture really started its rise in the 1980's as well. After all, that was when Nike unleashed the Air Jordan brand and really kick started their marketing department.

5. One really good pen.

We could all do with a good solid pen. So much of the ones we use are cheap disposable types. Use it, chuck it about, lose it, toss it when it's done. But sometimes we could all do with one trustworthy pen that we can depend on. Something like a Parker Pen for example. Which was a company also created in the 80's. Or rather the 1880's. Whatever, the 80's are a good decade regardless of where you pick them. Just make sure you keep an eye on it, because pens are always the first to disappear into people's pockets, and while that's fine with a cheap pen, it's not so great when you're talking about your best pen.

Inspired by: http://www.flyingsolo.com.au/working-smarter/productivity/low-tech-gadgets-for-business