Every year on the second Wednesday in May, we celebrate the receptionists who keep our offices running smoothly. A receptionist often gives customers the very first impression of a company, whether on the phone or in person, but their responsibilities don’t even begin to end there. They handle paperwork and records, keep organizations running on schedule along with other miscellaneous tasks, all while maintaining a pleasant demeanor. This year, we recognize our receptionists’ hard work on May 8th, 2019.
With over a million receptionists in the United States alone, it’s no surprise we choose to honor them on their own day within the year. National Receptionist Day was created in 1991 by the Director of National Receptionists Association in efforts to “gain awareness and appreciation of the role of receptionists in a business setting and to provide community and support for receptionists nationwide.” Although, other countries across the globe, like Canada, Australia and the UK, now choose to recognize receptionists on this day as well. Which is why this day is now known as International Receptionist Day.
Making a good first impression and connecting with customers is one of the most important roles of a receptionist. When a customer enters an office for the first time, it’s the receptionist’s job to make them feel welcomed. When they return, it’s their duty to make sure they feel appreciated. Receptionists should always be equipped with the tools to succeed in doing just that. Name tags and desk plates are great tools to help receptionists connect with customers instantly. By connecting names to faces, your customers will feel like they’re engaging with another person and not just an employee.
If you own or manage an office, you can join the celebration by either giving your receptionists a day off or finding a way to thank them. By surprising your hard-working receptionists with flowers, lunch, or a professional name plate, you’re sure to show them how appreciated they are. You can even take over their role for the day so you can better understand all the important tasks they juggle on a daily basis. Customers can thank their favorite office’s receptionists by giving them a card or a thoughtful gift.
To learn more about International Receptionist Day, you can visit www.internationalreceptionistsday.com. You can also observe this important holiday by using #internationalreceptionistday on social media.
