New parents
The first week home: what actually gets used
A column on the first week home with a baby: a few things get used all day and most of the rest sits in a box. Argued from general experience, not a review.
Samir Ouali4 min read
Samir Ouali
Editor
Writes the work gear guides for people on their feet and at a desk.
Articles by Samir
Warehouse and trades
Do you need knee pads for work? A quick check
Do you need knee pads for work? Yes if you kneel for more than a few minutes at a time on hard floors. Here is how to choose a type and when to avoid it.
Samir Ouali2 min read
Nurses
When to replace nursing shoes: signs the foam is gone
Wondering when to replace nursing shoes? Look at the heel wear, the foam and how your feet feel by hour six. Here are the checks that take a minute.
Samir Ouali2 min read
Chefs and kitchen staff
Honing vs sharpening a kitchen knife: what is the difference
Honing vs sharpening a kitchen knife: honing straightens the edge, sharpening removes metal. Here is how often to do each and what you need.
Samir Ouali2 min read
Warehouse and trades
How to choose work gloves for warehouse jobs
Choosing work gloves for warehouse jobs starts with the hazard, not the brand. Here is how to match grip, cut and cold protection to the task.
Samir Ouali5 min read
Nurses
Compression socks for long shifts: who they suit
Compression socks can ease tired legs on a long shift, but not everyone should wear them. Here is how to decide, size and check with a clinician.
Samir Ouali4 min read
Chefs and kitchen staff
Chef's knife vs santoku: which one for daily prep
Chef's knife vs santoku for daily prep: one rocks, one chops. Here is how to pick the shape that suits your cutting style and your hands.
Samir Ouali4 min read
New parents
Baby carrier or stroller for the first months
A plain comparison of carriers and strollers for new parents: where each helps, where each fails, and the safety points to check with an official source.
Samir Ouali3 min read
Nurses
What to carry in a nurse bag for a 12-hour shift
A short list of what to carry in a nurse bag for a 12-hour shift, what to leave at home, and how to keep the bag clean and off the floor.
Samir Ouali5 min read
Warehouse and trades
Headlamp vs flashlight for work: hands free or not
Headlamp vs flashlight for work: a headlamp frees both hands, a flashlight is brighter and more focused. Here is how to pick for trades and night work.
Samir Ouali4 min read
Warehouse and trades
Steel toe vs composite toe boots for warehouse work
Steel toe vs composite toe boots for warehouse work: weight, cold, metal detectors and rules. Here is how to choose, and why your employer decides first.
Samir Ouali4 min read
Teachers
Stop buying classroom decor. Buy these three things first.
An opinion for teachers: spend on your feet, your voice and your water before posters and bins. The room can wait, but you cannot, so start there.
Samir Ouali2 min read
Nurses
Clogs vs sneakers for nurses: which suits a 12-hour shift
Clogs vs sneakers for nurses comes down to floors, fluids and feet. Here is a plain way to pick, and when to ignore the rule and go with your feet.
Samir Ouali4 min read
Chefs and kitchen staff
Non-slip shoes for kitchen work: what to check
Non-slip shoes for kitchen work need a soft, grippy sole, a closed top and a fit that lasts ten hours. Here is how to check the sole before you buy.
Samir Ouali5 min read
Chefs and kitchen staff
What goes in a line cook's bag, and what stays home
A short, practical kit list for cooks and kitchen staff: shoes, knives, a towel system and the small things that save a bad service.
Samir Ouali4 min read
Nurses
What to look for in shoes for 12-hour shifts
A plain checklist for choosing shoes for 12-hour shifts: firm cushioning, a slip-resistant sole, a wipeable upper and a fit that allows for swelling.
Samir Ouali3 min read
New parents
Do you need a bottle warmer? A quick answer
Do you need a bottle warmer? Usually no, since a bowl of warm water works. It helps for night feeds if you want a hands-off option. Here is the rule.
Samir Ouali2 min read
Chefs and kitchen staff
Oven gloves vs side towels for cooks: which is safer
Oven gloves vs side towels for cooks: gloves give more heat protection and grip, towels are fast but burn easily when wet. Here is how to choose.
Samir Ouali4 min read
Warehouse and trades
Wool vs cotton socks for work boots: which to wear
Wool vs cotton socks for work boots: wool keeps feet drier and cushions better, cotton holds sweat. Here is a quick rule and the one case where cotton is fine.
Samir Ouali2 min read
Remote workers
Is a standing desk worth it for working from home
Is a standing desk worth it? It helps if you will actually switch between sitting and standing. Here is a plain way to decide, and what to try for free first.
Samir Ouali5 min read
Warehouse and trades
How to choose work boots for concrete floors all day
How to choose work boots for concrete floors: check the midsole, the fit at day's end and the safety rating your job needs. Includes when to replace them.
Samir Ouali6 min read
Chefs and kitchen staff
A starter knife kit for kitchen work: what you need
A starter knife kit for kitchen work needs three knives, a steel or stone and a way to carry them. Here is what to buy first and what to skip.
Samir Ouali5 min read
Teachers
Laminator vs sheet protectors for teachers
Laminator vs sheet protectors for teachers: one makes sturdy resources that last years, the other is quick and reusable. Here is how to choose for your room.
Samir Ouali4 min read
Remote workers
External webcam vs laptop camera for video calls
External webcam vs laptop camera for video calls: a webcam can sit at eye level and often looks sharper, but light matters more. Here is how to choose.
Samir Ouali4 min read