10 Affordable Receptionist Appreciation Ideas

You don’t have to break the bank to show your receptionist appreciation!

National Receptionists Day is always the second Wednesday in May. It’s a day set aide to recognize and appreciate all the work that receptionists do to help organizations run smoothly. If your office has receptionists, this is a wonderful time to acknowledge their very important role.

Why receptionists? They’re the face of your company.

Receptionists are usually the first (and sometimes only) company representative your customers or clients interact with. They’re often the first to explain your company’s products or services or hear feedback. And they’re doing all that while fielding phone calls, coordinating schedules and handling deliveries!

Making sure your receptionists feel appreciated and included in your company culture is key to a grateful workplace. Read on for 10 receptionist appreciation ideas that won’t break your budget but have tremendous impact!

10 Ideas for Budget-Friendly Receptionist Appreciation

Get inspired with these ideas for making your “Thank You” to receptionists count — on National Receptionists Day or any day.

1. Spread the Word
Alert the whole company about National Receptionists Day, or your receptionists’ birthdays or stand-out work. Encourage everyone to stop by reception to say “Thanks.” It’s especially important for company leaders to participate. Your receptionists need to hear gratitude from the C-suite the most!

2. Make a Signable Poster
Put up some posterboard with their photo or “WE APPRECIATE YOU!” with markers for people to sign. It will be a bright and vibrant way to celebrate.

3. Bring in a Personalized Cake
Everyone loves sharing cake! Personalize your cake with receptionists’ names, a short message of gratitude, and a fun graphic.

4. Decorate the Office
Balloons, flowers, streamers … make the reception area of your company festive and celebratory. Enlist help in decorating from as many departments as you can. It feels good to show gratitude, so why not engage all employees in the process?

5. Embrace Nature
Whether a gorgeous flower arrangement or a plant, give the gift of life that will also brighten up their space. Red-Edge Dracaena, Zebra plants or Bamboo Palms are recommended for indoor office spaces.

6. Give the Gift of Flexibility
Receptionists are often desk-bound. Give them the flexibility to come in late or take a longer lunch. Switch it up and send a strong message of gratitude from management: arrange for the company president to cover reception during lunch!

7. Share the Practical Gift of Food
Food gifts are practical and always appreciated. Share gift certificates for grocery-store staples and treats, like groceries, pie, ice cream, or pizza. It’s a meaningful gift your receptionists will be able to share with family and friends.

8. Pile Up “Thank You” Cards
Nothing beats a handwritten note of gratitude! A handwritten note has even more impact now in the digital age. Have blank cards and colorful pens available for people to fill out and drop by the reception desk throughout the day.

9. Create an Online Gratitude Board
Crowdsource messages of gratitude from the whole company. Invite employees to leave short notes of appreciation for your receptionist(s) in a Slack channel, Facebook group, or Intranet where you know they have access. Encourage specific instances of gratitude — “Thank you for organizing my mail while I was on vacation!” or “You made my sales clients feel so welcome when they visited last week. Thanks!”

10. Pay an Authentic Compliment
Face-to-face gratitude builds camaraderie and goodwill, plus it’s motivating to hear words of encouragement directly. Pay your receptionist appreciation with a compliment or two. Compliments never go out of style.

Learn More About gThankYou Certificates of Gratitude:

• Check out our Home Page
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Top Photo by Christiann Koepke on Unsplash
Flowers Photo by Larisa Birta on Unsplash