Valentine’s Day may be a personal affair for some, but it can also be the perfect occasion to show your office co-workers some love and appreciation!
Chances are, you probably spend more time with your colleagues in your 8-5 job than with your beloved in any given week. So why not show your colleagues some love this Valentine’s Day? Besides, when was the last time your sweetheart took over your workload without complaint when you were on leave? (You know the answer to that one)
Here are some ideas on how to say thank you to your cubicle mates or team on Valentine’s Day at work.
1. Make someone’s day bloom
Flowers aren’t just for romance. Blooms like hydrangea, daisies, sunflowers and red carnations signify friendship whilst yellow lilies and tulips convey gratitude. They make a sweet surprise to your closest office mates who have been generous with their support and help. The dash of colour on their desks will be an instant pick-me-up for the following week or so.
If you have been under the guidance of a boss who has been a wonderful mentor, consider organising a surprise bouquet to be sent from the team to say thank you.
2. Secret Cupid
If you and your team enjoy gift-giving games like Secret Santa, then the idea of Secret Cupid might be well received. The rules are the same as Secret Santa, only with a V-day twist: every gift must come with a card labeled ‘3 things I appreciate about you”. Gift-givers then fill up the card with 3 appropriate and positive things about the receiver of the gift. To make it more challenging, ban common gift ideas such as picture frames, chocolates, hand cream or soaps.
3. Lead with love
If you’re a team leader or boss, the sky’s the limit for fun and creative ways you can show your appreciation to a great team. For example, you could make lunch reservations for your team at a nice restaurant and pronounce it a V-day office date. Alternatively, have a good café deliver coffee, tea and Valentine’s Day-themed desserts during tea time, give everyone a quick 20 minute break, and ban all work talk for that window of time.
You can also consider hiring a couple of masseuses who can give express head or shoulder massages at desks. Everyone likes to know their hard work has been taken into account and will appreciate your gestures of appreciation for a long time.
Apart from your immediate co-workers, it would also be nice to do something for the other people working in the office – the IT support team, receptionist, admin staff or even the office cleaner. Without this office support network that we often take for granted, things may not run as smoothly. Hand out small goodie bags of candy or chocolates (bearing in mind dietary needs), gift certificates or movie vouchers and tell them how much they are appreciated in the office. Valentine’s Day is, after all, a day to show your love and appreciation to those who matter.
