How to boss birthdays (literally)
We’ve all heard the saying ‘work hard play hard’ but how exactly do you do that? Being a boss, it is important to make your team feel valued. Celebrating your team’s birthdays is a great opportunity to do this and show your team just how much you appreciate them.
Here are some top tips:
Don’t forget the basics
First things first, don’t forget the basics of any birthday celebration; that means birthday cards, cake, and balloons. This might sound like a hassle but it doesn’t need to be. Buying cards in bulk at the beginning of each year will mean you are prepared for birthdays throughout the year. Decorations, such as bunting and table confetti, can be reused over and over again so be sure to go for something classic and take good care of them when putting them up and down during preparation. Why not establish a relationship with a local baker for supplying your birthday cakes, or even see if the team wants to take it in turns to bake cakes depending on whose birthday it is? Be sure to consider any allergies too.
Tailor your approach
Although decorations can be used repeatedly no matter whose birthday it is, this doesn’t mean you should take a one size fits all approach for everything birthday related. Be conscious that different members of your team are likely to have different preferences for birthdays, some of which may prefer not to celebrate at all. This can be difficult to navigate but it is important that you are sensitive to individual circumstances. It might be best to talk privately with individuals about how they wish to celebrate or ask a team member close to them.
Don’t forget those on leave
Whether someone has chosen to take a day of annual leave to celebrate their birthday, or they are currently taking a year off for maternity leave it is important to not leave anyone out. For those who you aren’t going to see anytime near their birthday, send something to their home (be sure to get permission first). This is a really effective way of showing employees who are off for an extended period of time that you still really appreciate them.
Less is sometimes more
As hard as it may be to hear as a boss, the best way you can celebrate your teams’ birthdays is by allowing them more time to celebrate outside of work. This doesn’t have to be as costly as you may think, those who prioritise their birthday will of course budget their annual leave accordingly. But, for those who do choose the work on their birthday, many companies are starting to offer hour-early finishes, half days or even full days off for all staff. Whilst this benefits your team, it can also work as a great incentive during the hiring process so is something you shouldn’t overlook.
