Think of someone you work with; they remind you of important deadlines, bring their energy and creativity to a collaborative project, and help keep spirits up along the way. Chances are you aren’t pulling up a blank. The people we work with can determine the kind of day (or week or even quarter!) we’re going to have.
These work relationships are worth cultivating and celebrating. Whether you're marking a promotion, welcoming a new colleague, or simply saying thank you to the person who keeps your calendar on track, flowers are a classic and thoughtful way to show appreciation in the workplace. Not only do flowers bring nature’s breath of fresh air into a workspace, but they also also capture our appreciation when words fall short. But not all flowers say the same thing, especially in a professional setting.
Striking the Right Note: Flower Gifting Etiquette for the Modern Workplace
When it comes to corporate or professional gifting, the right flowers can brighten someone's day and add beauty to their workspace. Inappropriate ones, though, can send mixed signals or cause unintended distractions. If you're considering a luxury flower delivery for that colleague, we have some crucial and practical etiquette tips to keep in mind.
Skip Romantic Flowers
Let’s cut to the chase. Don’t give your coworker or employee red roses. Nothing says romance faster, and few things smack of inappropriate work etiquette quite like a large bouquet of long-stemmed roses.
Instead, opt for brighter and more cheerful colors to express gratitude as a corporate gift. If you’re uncertain, align your colors and blooms with the season. Tulips in soft pastels are cheerful and subtle during the spring, while rich vibrant hues of gerbera daisies are quintessential for summer. Warm, muted tones are perfect for fall blooms like dahlias. As for winter, aim for cool or neutral colors: amaryllis or orchids capture the crisp elegance of the season and your professional gifting intentions!
Consider Allergies and Scent Sensitivities
Offices are shared spaces, and that stunning bouquet might end up next to someone with allergies. A professional gift should make a statement without sending staff to restock their tissue boxes. Stick with flowers with little or no scent: ranunculus, hydrangea, sunflowers, or even a succulent dish garden are excellent choices. They’re just as beautiful and less likely to trigger sneezes or itchy eyes.
Keep It Office-Appropriate in Size and Style
For professional gifting, size matters. Towering arrangements and cascading blooms certainly make a statement, but like red roses, that over-the-top gorgeous flower arrangement might send the wrong message. Practically speaking, it also crowds a desk and becomes a hazard if knocked over by accident.
Consider the recipient’s workspace: maybe they have a postage-stamp-sized cubicle, or they’ve got that spacious corner office. Taking their environment into consideration communicates your thoughtfulness, which will show up in your floral arrangement.
It’s also worth keeping in mind quality over quantity. Even a small, handcrafted bouquet of luxury flowers will make an impression without disrupting their workflow.
Personal Touches Matter
Great gifts are personal. In the context of giving flowers to a colleague, a personalized gift makes them feel like they belong and their work matters—not that they’re just another cog in the machine. (So skip run-of-the-mill grocery store flowers.) Incorporate something you know about them into their gift. Do you know their favorite color? Maybe their sense of humor lights up the breakroom every afternoon, or they fondly reminisce about that tropical vacation they took last summer. These seemingly subtle details can be the perfect crowning touches to a flower arrangement that’s a professional and personalized gift.
Write A Note
The message behind a gift, whether it’s flowers or something else, is what gives it its meaning. Take a moment to include a handwritten (or thoughtfully typed) note that mentions something specific: a project your colleague led with grace, the way your assistant keeps the team grounded, or simply how much you value someone’s presence in the office. This kind of personal detail shows your sincere appreciation and that you took the time and energy to do something truly thoughtful. It's a simple but powerful way to lift up your office mates while upgrading your corporate gifting, too!
Be Inclusive and Intentional
If you're sending flowers to more than one person—say, a department team or a group of administrative staff—be mindful of how the gift is presented. You might opt for a larger arrangement for a shared space or a matching set of smaller bouquets for each person. Leaving someone out is not only rude, but it can hurt your office’s morale and collaborative efforts. Make sure everyone’s name is included. These thoughtful gestures reinforce a culture of respect and appreciation—which is, after all, the whole point of professional gifting.
Bonus Tip: Talk to Your Florist
We get it, we live in a world that feels faster and more complicated than ever. It’s easy to get in the weeds with what’s appropriate and what’s not. Are all roses romantic? (No!) How do you know what an allergy-triggering flower smells like? Corporate gifting can feel overwhelming. But instead of grabbing the first cellophane-wrapped bunch of flowers you see at the grocery store, a luxury flower shop can guide you through the etiquette.
At Mayflowers Floral Studio, we’re happy to show you seasonal selections and offer recommendations. Plus, we like helping you do something kind!
Conclusion
Flowers are so much more than a decoration or generic gift. They send a message. And in a world of rapid-fire emails, small talk, and digital gift cards, an artfully arranged flower bouquet lets someone know that they’re seen, respected, and matter.
When the next corporate gifting opportunity arises, choose flowers. A luxury flower delivery says any message in full, blooming sincerity—and always leaves a lasting impression in the professional world.