Memo to Bosses: Thank Employees!

Administrative Professionals Week, also known as Professional Secretaries Week, is a time to recognize support staff for their accomplishments and contributions to corporate success. Research from Texas A&M University reveals one gift of appreciation in particular that will naturally lift an employee's mood, create a lasting memory and boost productivity.

The research demonstrates that flowers and plants enhance people's ability to generate ideas and solve problems.

"Our study shows that adding flowers and plants to a work environment can be very meaningful to businesses in the modern economy," said Roger Ulrich, Ph.D., lead Texas A&M researcher. "People's productivity, innovation and creative problem solving, improved - which in certain circumstances could mean the difference between mild and great business success."

Rebecca Cole, author of Flower Power and host of Discovery Channel's Surprise by Design offers an additional perspective. "Giving flowers is a loud, proud, sophisticated way of saying ‘I appreciate all you do.' They're a great way to build a strong, lasting professional relationship," said Cole.

• Tips for Busy Bosses
  
• Administrative Professionals Week History
• Card Messages
• Flowers, Plants & Workplace Productivity Study, Texas A&M University
• Employee Commitment & Productivity Study, Harvard University
• Photo Gallery