How Many Birthday Wishes Do You Send Out Each Year?

Apr 29

Sarah on a Trampoline

Today is Sarah’s birthday. An important one. A round number. That’s her — a few years ago — doing a back flip. Wouldn’t it be great to have more days like this, jumping on a trampoline instead of walking a tightrope?

Happy birthday, Sarah.

P.S. How many birthday cards or wishes do you send out each year? How many birthdays do you keep track of? Do you know all your friends’ birthdays? Birthdays matter to people. How much would it cost for a company to send a birthday card to their employees with a real signature on it? Wouldn’t have to be everybody. Just start small. Ten people a year…less than one a month. A birthday card signed by the CEO. Wouldn’t that be cool?

About the Author
Frank Roche

Frank started IFRACTAL over 7 years ago with Sarah Chambers. Together, they've created HR communications and HR software for some of the world's leading companies. Frank is also studying Flamenco guitar and origami.

Share this post

Comments

  1. Charlie says:

    :) “..a few years ago..”

  2. Frank Roche says:

    Well, it all goes by in a blink of an eye.

  3. Frank:

    Great suggestion!! The key to birthday wishes is that they must be meaningful and not “form-like.” It could also be powerful to include the congratulations on the firm’s intranet, incuding in the message a little known “fact” or something of that nature about the person.

    The key point of your suggestion to me is that too many organizations (and leaders) are not personal enough. Yes, we can be business-like and professional, but still inject a little compassion and warmth into our normal work day.

    robert edward cenek, RODP
    http://www.cenekreport.com
    Uncommon Commentary on the World of Work

  4. Frank Roche says:

    Hi Robert…yes, getting personal, being authentic, that would work. And I think it would be a good idea; maybe it would keep the C-Suite a little anchored in “why we do this.” Excellent idea about the internet approach…that’s fun!

  5. Matthew Whitehead says:

    I send birthday wishes to all my friends and close relatives, as best I can; I consider birthdays important. If you truly appreciate someone, once a year shouldn’t be too often to show it, and, of course, one’s birthday only comes once a year. Sending someone a birthday card, and e-mailing and/or calling to wish them a happy birthday, seems an appropriate way to show that you value the friendship or relationship with the person. My friends and relatives appreciate getting birthday greetings from me. I also be sure to thank all those who send me cards or wishes for my birthday.

  6. I am terrible at remembering Birthdays. My partner uses a calander and if it wasn’t for her i would not send anyone a Happy Birthday Wish. I even hesitate and have to think when i get asked my own :-) having said that, I am not sure if i am 34 or 35. I had better ask my partner :-) I highly recommend getting yourself a switched on girlfriend who knows how to log things on a calander, it works for me.

Leave a Reply

 
  • About KnowHR

    KnowHR serves up straight talk about human resources, communication and technology. Our goal is to help you make work better. Brought to you by IFRACTAL.

  • Featured Product

  • Sign up for KnowHR

    Want to receive KnowHR via email? Sign up now for our weekly KnowHR Newsletter.

  • Social Media

    • twitter
    • Facebook
    • Flickr
    • tumblr
    • youtube
    • vimeo
    • linkedin
  • Flickr

    • Bethany at IFRACTAL uses the Labyrinth as inspiration to practice contact juggling with an orange
    • We ring in success with the IFRACTAL cow bell
    • Charlie at IFRACTAL is suspended in midair above Chicago at the Sears Tower
    • Sarah at IFRACTAL has a thing for Pringles
    • Andy at IFRACTAL is pumped up for work this Monday
    • Farewell to Steve and Zack, the IFRACTAL interns!
    • Steph and Jess at IFRACTAL kicking it with Spiderman!
    • Furley working up a sweat at IFRACTAL
    • Pat at IFRACTAL says "Hail to the victors valiant!" #mgoblue
    • Shanna's accessories are nerfing to joke about at IFRACTAL!
    • Pat's a sweetheart, but she sure whips up some mean lunches in the IFRACTAL kitchen
    • Jess and Steve scream for ice cream at IFRACTAL!
    • Shanna at IFRACTAL is pretty in pink, pretty badass that is!
    • We know about presentation at IFRACTAL
    • Charlie in his new Do-Rag is handling business at IFRACTAL
    • Frank and Jess at IFRACTAL fall victim to a Candy Coma