Every year Valentine’s Day comes around. It’s a special day dedicated to showing the person you love appreciation by giving them chocolates, a teddy bear, or a dozen red roses. It’s one of those rare occasions where your personal life can intersect with your professional life, which can cause discomfort in your workplace if you aren’t careful.
Love is in the air and there is no way to avoid it. If Cupid plans to make an appearance at your office, here are some ideas that may inspire you to keep things festive, yet professional.
Host an office breakfast
Start your Valentine’s Day off on the right foot, order or bring some delicious breakfast foods to treat your team. Make H-E-B your place to pick up all essential items. Maybe some delicious pastries, like Mexican Conchas or festively decorated cakes and chocolate-covered strawberries.
If you are located in the Austin area, you can drive down to 1304 East 51st, and pick up some delicious breakfast tacos at Paco’s Tacos. The restaurant serves an all-day breakfast, and you have an option to build your own taco.
An appreciation board
Unfortunately, according to a study, “a shocking 85% of employees don’t feel engaged at work.” Use this day to recognize your team in a fun, positive, appropriate way by setting up an appreciation board where staff can post positive comments to each other. Supply a few colorful markers, post-it notes, or some nice paper, and encourage your colleagues to spread some love.
By making your team feel appreciated, you can increase engagement, research shows that engaged employees are more productive and make better decisions.
Decorate the Office with Valentine’s Day Decor
It won’t quite feel like Valentine’s Day at work if the office isn’t red and pink-washed. Decorate your office with “Happy Valentine’s Day” streamers, festive posters, or heart-shaped balloons. To make it more exciting, you can even host a competition for the best-decorated cubicle, window, or door to get more employees involved.
Share goody bags
Show some of your colleagues some love by filling up goody bags with gifts, a handwritten note, and a variety of candies. Add a nice bonus by gifting some sustainable company swag like sunglasses, mugs, notebooks, or pens.
Play Valentine’s Day Trivia
Valentine’s Day Trivia is a high-engagement activity that will show off your colleagues’ team working skills. If you need ideas, I find movie trivia questions from Bustle are both interesting and work-appropriate. Set up your trivia by using a free quiz website like Quizizz or Kahoot, it is an easy setup and everyone can participate. Also, give out some goody bags, gift cards, or candies as prizes for the winners to enjoy.
How will you celebrate Valentine’s Day this year?
Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to show your colleagues how much you appreciate them. Pick 1-2 ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day at work this year to make the workplace happier and a safe environment to work in. Which festive activity will you choose to do this year?
