Ahhhh - having a birthday at the office.
Don’t mind saying that I’m a BIG fan of the monthly birthday (and anniversary) celebration. It makes work so much less awkward. People know what to expect and there aren’t surprises or anyone feeling like someone was treated more special than others. Keep it simple and nice (no drama) - not too extravagant, and easy to get back to business.
There was a time when people went a little over the top. (No, really - there was a feather boa involved at one point! Shudder!)
At one company, we always went out to eat for lunch. The supervisor bought the birthday guy/girl’s lunch while everyone else went dutch. That was charming until the one person who intentionally ordered a TON of food (so much so that everyone noticed). Uncool. Also, with everyone in attendance, the lunches could take forever (depending on the restaurant choice and the service level at that restaurant). OR - the birthday was on a difficult day to go out for lunch (who does that on a regular basis anymore??). We also did silly things, like make buttons for either the birthday person to wear - or for EVERYONE else to wear in “honor” of the birthday person. There could be photocopied signs posted in lobbies and elevators - wherever the most prominent and embarrassing place to advertise - a birthday announcement could be found there.
At another organization, every birthday was celebrated with either a cake, cupcakes, brownies, cookies, chips and salsa, ice cream sandwiches or a popcorn tasting. Everyone needed to have cute plates, utensils, and overall decor. The entire department would gather and sing (yep) while the lucky birthday girl/guy would be the center of attention (which is really awful if you’re not a big ham at heart). While it was a nice gesture, it was really not very practical as the department grew.
The simple approach is more comfortable (I hope!) for everyone. On the monthly food day, people bring in whatever they want/can bring. There are donuts and bagels and all kinds of breakfast items (even fresh fruit!); then for lunch, the department generally has pizza. When the usual gathering occurs over cake - it’s for at least a couple of people (especially when you factor in company anniversaries).
How do you feel about work birthday celebrations?
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