I once worked for a company that had several satellite offices in addition to the main office. The new guy brought on board to run the company decided it would be a

good idea if the president of the company sent each employee a birthday card each year. The president of the company scheduled time each month to sign all the cards for the next month. He took the employer birthday cards one step further and made an effort to find out something about each employee. Each card contained a personal message and noted a personal triumph and an employee related triumph such as participation on a certain project. This did wonders for the morale of the company. It lifted spirits; it created company unity and fueled willingness for team work. All because of a birthday card from the boss.

Employer birthday cards can be any card from the local department store or a specially created card. Most stationary stores and office supply stores offer employer birthday cards and they can be embossed with the company logo. Such cards can be ordered online at an online office supply or stationary store.

On the other side of the fence employer birthday cards can be for your boss. It is always nice to acknowledge the boss on his special day, especially if he is the one who performs your review and decides your salary increase. It might sound like brown nosing or sucking up but think of a birthday card for your boss as an investment in your future. Be sure you do not choose a card that is insulting, off color or insensitive in any way. Most bosses enjoy a funny card as well as the next guy and an appropriate card might be the thing that puts your next salary increase over the top.

A card for the boss can be an individual or group thing. If you add something other than your name, make sure it is in good taste. You don’t want the gossip at the water cooler to be what an insensitive jerk you are. That will not get you any points with anyone.

When should you give your employer his or her birthday card? Perhaps you can leave it on their desk or in their mailbox. If it is a group thing, perhaps deliver the card at a staff meeting or coffee break. Maybe a special luncheon is in order where you will have the opportunity to give the boss the card.

Another company I worked for, each person’s birthday was recognized with cake and ice cream and a card signed by everyone. It was the afternoon break. This might be a good time to give your employer his or her birthday card.

If you really want to get in good with the boss, make your employer birthday cards but make sure he or she knows it was not done on company time or with company materials. No matter how good the card was it will not go over well.