When someone at work gets flowers, it’s usually a big deal. If only for a bit, work all but halts as the recipient and everyone around them takes time to appreciate the beauty of the blossoms — and the gesture.
Typically, a flower delivery at work means something noteworthy has occurred, a birthday, for instance, or promotion. However, there are guidelines – a proper etiquette — for sending flowers to the workplace. Here’s what you should know to avoid committing a faux pas.
The Issue
While flowers can certainly brighten a workplace, and the recipient gets to feel special in front of colleagues, office settings can be fraught for such deliveries. There are definitely do’s and don’ts.
Sending Flowers to Your Manager
Unless you share a special bond with your boss, it’s best to enlist some co-workers and send a team gift. Otherwise, things could get awkward. After all, you wouldn’t want it to seem as though you’re seeking to curry favor, or that you’re the boss’s favorite.
In terms of flower color, do avoid red, particularly red roses, since that could send the wrong message regarding the relationship, and could end up causing trouble. You should also avoid anything “showy” such as balloons or over-the-top floral arrangements. Go for heart-winning but safe flowers such as tulips or gerberas.
Flowers for Colleagues
First, ask yourself whether your coworker would appreciate getting flowers at work. Maybe you and most people would, but others may not. Perhaps the person would not want to be distracted from work, or would, for whatever reason, feel uncomfortable.
However, if you believe the gesture would be well received, and there are no allergies involved, a fresh bouquet of colorful blooms, with a nice message, would work well for a birthday, anniversary, or other achievement. Tulips, daises, peonies, or yellow roses are popular choices.
Flowers for the Business Partner or Client
This must be thought out since such relationships are somewhat delicate and fragile. For instance, if you spring for a bouquet that’s overly pricey, that could send the wrong message, as could going with the bargain basement bouquet.
It’s only advisable to add a personal touch when ordering flowers in this situation if you have known your partner or client for a long time, since you don’t want to be presumptuous or step on any toes. Otherwise, a selection of dried fruits or sweets would couple well with a bouquet of orchids or daises.
Sending Birthday Flowers
This is one of the most common reasons to send flowers to the workplace, and it is a lovely gesture. Just be sure the flowers aren’t red roses, which could cause undue controversy since those blooms have romantic undertones. A custom bouquet of fresh cuts would be most welcome.
Sending Maternity Flowers
If one of your coworkers is expectant, sending flowers is a nice thing to do. An ideal gift for a pregnant colleague could be flowers that are mildly scented, paired with some chocolates or other edible treats. Sunflowers, which represent energy and new life, are always a good choice, as are tulips or gerberas.
Here, too, red roses or even chocolates in a heart-shaped box should be avoided, as they are inappropriate. Remember that nothing about maternity flowers should be romantic.
So, yes, it’s generally a wonderful gesture to send flowers to someone at your work place. Just passing by the blossoms throughout the day and week can increase morale and help make for a supportive environment. Just be sure you put ample thought into the purchase, and make certain you’re wholly appropriate.
