We are continuing our series on bringing joy to the workplace. Last week we talked about giving co-workers good old-fashioned cards to make their day. But now, with working from home and other unique work situations, sometimes it’s not possible for everyone to sign a card.
That’s the case with my current job where all five of us work from home – in Indiana and beyond. So, the best way to recognize everyone’s birthday is via email. The internet has thousands of free or low-cost e-cards you can send.
I like e-cards. But being the creative person that I am, I love to use email to send my own unique message and copy my co-workers. For example, I sometimes create news releases for our clients. I once wrote a fake news release to honor my friend Mike’s birthday, complete with a big headline and quotes of praise about him from our director. He loved it.
No matter what you do, even if your email takes just a minute, your coworker will greatly appreciate that someone took the time to recognize him or her.
Perhaps a real card just isn’t an option due to time or money. Or not everyone at your company or department has email. A sign posted in a common area or on an office door or cubicle can still make someone feel special and show that you care. Once again, the Internet has you covered.
Birthday banners, signs, templates, posters, flyers, you name it, you can find it online for free. In just two minutes you can find a perfect sign, print it out, and tape it to a wall.
Dressing up is another fun way to enjoy celebrations at work. Just a short note for Halloween – unless you have religious reasons for not enjoying it, I think dressing up in an appropriate costume at work is super awesome and fun! It makes the day seem special and happy. Just make certain it’s OK with your company or organization and that others are doing the same thing.
If you see customers on Halloween, you can bring them a joyful surprise with your costume. Be careful that it doesn’t hamper your work in any way. Sometimes my former offices have been more conservative in this area, so I just add a touch of Halloween in my attire such as some fun jack o’ lantern socks, spider earrings, or funky eye makeup.
Grown-ups can have a blast with this holiday! It’s a great time for potlucks and of course, yummy treats. You can dress up around Christmas time if you celebrate it as well. We always put on festive attire for our Christmas party potlucks at both the City of Noblesville and the soil and water conservation district. This ranged from ugly Christmas sweaters to ties featuring Santa and his reindeer to sparkly sequined tops.
Dressing up for either or both holidays is a great way to build camaraderie and a sense of being a team.
No matter what you choose – wearing something different, passing around a card, creating an on usual email or putting together a sign – it all just minutes to do, but can have a huge impact on your team or for the recipient.
Amy Shankland is a writer and fundraising professional living in Noblesville with her husband John, two sons, two dogs and a cat. You can reach her via email at amys@greenavenue.info.