Secretary's Day Gift Tips
Secretaries Day and Administrative Professionals Week are a time to recognize support staff for their accomplishments and contributions to corporate success. But, how do you choose the right way to show your appreciation? Research from Texas A&M University reveals one gift of appreciation in particular that will naturally lift an employee's mood, create a lasting memory and boost productivity.
The research demonstrates that flowers and plants actually enhance people's ability to generate ideas and solve problems.
Our study shows that adding
flowers and plants to a work environment can be very meaningful to businesses in the modern economy," said Roger Ulrich, Ph.D., lead Texas A&M researcher. "People's productivity, innovation and creative problem solving, improved – which in certain circumstances could mean the difference between mild and great business success."
Rebecca Cole, author of
Flower Power and host of Discovery Channel's Surprise by Design, offers an additional perspective. "Giving flowers is a loud, proud, sophisticated way of saying ‘I appreciate all you do.' They're a great way to build a strong, lasting professional relationship," said Cole.
Busy Bosses Agree
A simple "Thank You" can go a long way to motivate employees and build loyalty. Secretaries and Administrative Professionals Week offers an ideal opportunity to show appreciation - and formally reinforce the value of an employee's contributions. Use this simple guide to put the benefits of proper office etiquette to work during Secretaries Week.
Include everyone on your team. Take time to thank all of your support staff -- from secretaries and assistants to junior managers.
Make it personal. Whether you're buying a gift or making lunch reservations, think about the individual. For example, if you're ordering flowers, ask your florist to create an arrangement that fits the recipient's personality. Is that person traditional? Outdoorsy? Dramatic?
Be specific. Tell the members of your support staff exactly what they did that you appreciate.
Do it year round. Build your team's confidence and cohesion by remembering them after Secretaries Day, too. Whether it's an occasional gift, birthday flowers, a group luncheon, or simply a hearty thanks for a job well done, little things mean a lot. You'll increase morale and reinforce positive behavior when you simply recognize your people a little more often.
About Secretaries and Administrative Professionals Week
Secretaries Week started in the 1950's as a way to recognize secretaries for their contributions to the workplace, and to attract young people to secretarial careers. The idea began with Mary Barrett, president of the then National Secretaries Association (now International Association of Administrative Professionals), along with Dictaphone Corporation president C. King Woodbridge. Secretary of Commerce Charles Sawyer proclaimed the first National Secretaries Week in June 1952. The date was changed in 1955 to the last full week in April.
Over the years, the official name has changed from Secretary's Day to Administrative Professionals Week. It has become one of the largest workplace observances worldwide, bringing together millions of people for community luncheons and educational seminars, as well as individual bosses recognizing their support staff with gifts of appreciation.
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The Flower Experts at 1-800-FLORALS flower delivery are award-winning third-generation florists who are active in the floral industry and operate multiple retail and wholesale floral services.
Sources: International Association of Administrative Professionals and SAF. Copyright 2005-2006 All America Phillip's Flowers Shops.
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