The Effects Of Flowers In The Workplace

Published in the Edmonton Sun - April 2011

During  Administrative Professionals Week Wednesday is typically the day most bosses, presidents, and CEOs send flowers to express their deep respect and gratitude to the support staff in their office.  Administrative staff in corporate offices, small businesses, and large companies keeps things running behind the scenes with little recognition throughout the year.  Demonstrate your appreciation and respect for the support staff in your office with beautifully fragrant fresh cut flowers.  

A simple bouquet of fragrant blooms can lift the spirits and boost the morale of your office staff.  Studies have indicated that flowers in the workplace can significantly increase productivity and creative performance.  Build a strong professional relationship with the administrative staff in your company or corporation by taking the time to recognize all they do with a beautiful “thank you” floral arrangement.  


History of Administrative Professionals Week

The first Secretary’s Day was celebrated in 1952 when a man by the name of Harry F. Klemfuss recognized the value of the secretaries in his company.  He endeavored to honor the importance of these professionals and encourage more women to become secretaries.  Since that time, the role of support staff has greatly evolved as more men have entered the field and secretarial duties have expanded to include a myriad of work responsibilities.  The term “Administrative Professionals Week” was adopted to encompass the wide variety of support staff included in this important observation of business professionals.  


Make it Personal

Take the time to show your respect by personalizing the flower arrangements you send to your administrative staff.  Is your staff cheerful, bright, and always ready with a smile?  If so, you might consider fun and fanciful floral arrangements of fresh daisies, sunflowers, or daffodils.  The quiet and reserved administrative staff will take delight in fragrant bouquets of orchids, roses, or carnations.  Flowers and plants make for one of the best desk lights available on the market today and an extra touch of personalization will go a long way in showing your administrative staff that you have taken the time to recognize their unique personalities and characteristic values.


Research Findings on Flowers in the Workplace

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Texas A&M University indicates that flowers placed within the workplace greatly increases productivity, creative thinking, and overall job performance.  The Impact of Flowers and Plants on Workplace Productivity Study was an eight-month long research project in which both men and women were placed in various work environments.  The work atmospheres consisted of a workplace with abstract sculptures, a setting with plants and flowers, and another environment with absolutely no decorative qualities whatsoever.  

The study revealed that men exposed to a work environment that included flowers and plants exhibited a 15% increase in generating powerful ideas.  Women placed within a similar setting produced greater problem solving skills and creativity.  In general, the study reveals that the presence of flowers within the work environment can greatly increase innovative thinking and productivity among workers.  This increase in work efficiency and general job performance can have a significant effect on the success of a business.


Getting Down to Business  

It is a significant gesture of appreciation to have beautiful floral bouquets delivered to your support staff during Administrative Professional’s Week.  Why limit the fragrant aroma and joy of fresh cut flowers to only one day out of the year though?  Beautiful flower arrangements placed within a business don’t just have a positive influence on employees; they often bear an effect on the mood of customers as well.  A friendly and relaxing environment created by the delicate sights and scents of nature can create a positive and profitable workplace environment.

Award winning designer, Heather de Kok, AAF AIFD PFCI has a passion for all things flowers. Come to 3811 – 99 street, 780-988-8588 or go to her website www.heatherdekok.com to learn more.

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