They answer the phones politely, smile to everyone who enters the room, and make sure your day at the office goes smoothly. This upcoming National Receptionist Day 2024, show gratitude to your desk heroes, the receptionists!
Do you have receptionists in your virtual or physical office?
This upcoming National Receptionist Day 2024, take time to celebrate them, and make them feel appreciated.
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Why is National Receptionists Day important?
Over a million receptionists participate in National Receptionists Day every second Wednesday in May.
Businesses should take the time to celebrate this holiday to show how important receptionists are. Receptionists play a crucial role in the office, whether a business has physical or virtual operations.
Often the first point of contact for people who come into the office, receptionists give your clients, customers, and visitors a warm welcome. Because of them, your clients understand how your culture runs inside your company.
These desk heroes deserve recognition for their work, dedication, and vital support in keeping your office running smoothly, especially on their day: National Receptionist Day this 2024.
Ideas to celebrate National Receptionist Day 2024
Here are some simple but amazing ways to celebrate National Receptionists Day this 2024 and show your desk heroes some appreciation:
1. Personalized gifts
What do they like having, or what do they need the most in the office? It could be a monogrammed notebook or a tumbler with their initials on it. For sure, your receptionists will appreciate that you took the time to give them thoughtful gifts. It shows you didn’t just buy their gift in a haste from the store the day before the National Receptionists Day.
2. Team lunch with other colleagues
Aside from personalized gifts, you can also take them on lunch. If you have the budget, you can take the whole team to a place and eat together. Make sure your receptionists order their favorite dish or drinks to put a smile on their faces on National Receptionists Day!
Meanwhile, in other European countries like Germany, receptionists get a special breakfast on this holiday. During this time, the CEO also personally thanks them for their hard work and contributions.
3. After-work party
If your team’s not free during lunchtime, you can always opt for an after-work party for National Receptionists Day. The benefit of this is you can stay as long as you want, and you can decorate your party area or conference room however you like. That said, you only have to clean up afterward.
4. Recognition Ceremony
You can host a small recognition ceremony during or before the after-work party. Prepare a paper certificate and put it in a sturdy but wooden frame. Present it to your receptionist as you announce their contributions in front of the whole team. That will surely make them feel appreciated!
5. Handwritten notes
Handwritten notes are timeless. Nothing looks as personal as messages written by the hand on a gorgeous stationery. You can also go bigger. Pass around a large thank-you card to their other colleagues the day before National Receptionists Day. Let the whole team write their thank-you messages to your receptionist.
6. Professional development
If they prefer it, you can always sponsor their professional development. You can opt to pay for their annual subscription to an online course platform. You can also give them a discount voucher to community colleges or universities near your office, if you can. This will show you have a strong faith in their capabilities.
Showing appreciation beyond National Receptionists Day
Appreciate your desk heroes as often as you can, not only on National Receptionist Day 2024. Show them you
1. Acknowledge their wins, no matter how small
A small message in your Slack or Teams group chat saying “good job” for their exceptional service can already make your receptionist’s day! So don’t be stingy, and acknowledge their wins.
2. Flexible work arrangements
Micromanaging rarely brings any good to an employee. Give them occasional remote work options to show that you trust them.
3. Career development
Continue supporting their career aspirations. For example, receptionists in legal and medical offices may want to advance beyond their current role. As their boss, you can schedule a 20-30-minute meeting to discuss their life plans. Give them actionable advice on how to reach their career goals.
4. Employee recognition programs
Don’t just host recognition events during holidays (National Receptionist Day 2024 or Administrative Professionals Day 2024). You can make this a tradition in the office. For example, you can motivate them to work harder by hosting a quarterly recognition event where they will receive certificates and rewards based on their performance.
5. Feedback loop
Want to make your receptionists feel a part of the team? Involve them in your feedback loops. Don’t forget to include them in decision-making processes where their opinion is required or appropriate, too.
Role of receptionists in the workplace
Your receptionists do more than just answer phone calls for you. Here’s how they help your office keep running smoothly:
1. First point of contact
These receptionists are the first point of contact for clients or visitors. They help you create a great first impression.
2. Communication hub
They are experts at managing the flow of information within your organization. They handle phone calls, SMS, and emails effectively.
3. Organizational support
A receptionist helps you schedule appointments, manages your calendars, and facilitates your meetings. They also manage record keeping, and collate action items for the team.
4. Office management
In the absence of an office manager, your receptionist can also manage the office. They can order essential supplies, maintain office equipment like printers, and clean the customer-facing area in your office.
5. Customer service
Your receptionists play a key role in helping your customers. They can answer queries, resolve issues, and make sure to follow up with appointments.
Celebrate your receptionists
With these guidelines, we hope you make your desk heroes feel appreciated not just every second Wednesday in May but every day!
