On April 19 it was the day on which secretaries, management assistants and personal assistants are given appreciation. Employers surprise their assistant en masse with bonbons, perfume or a beautifully varied bouquet. Although not as hectic as Valentine's Day or Mother's Day, Secretary Day is becoming increasingly popular in the Netherlands.
Ton-sur-ton and mixed
At Bouquetnet they are ready. The company supplies ready-made quality bouquets domestically and abroad. "We deliver more abroad than in the Netherlands, but in the Netherlands we see that the festive day is increasing in popularity," says Peter Janmaat. "The employers usually opt for a beautiful ton-sur-ton or a mixed bouquet. And of course we do not forget our own ladies, they can also count on a beautiful bouquet."
Special gift
For a special gift you have to go to Richplant. The Naaldwijk nursery cultivates various exclusive flowering house plants, such as Gardenia, Crossandra, Clerodendrum and Jatropha. "During this period, the demand for plants will always increase. People feel like working in their garden when spring time arrives. For Secretary Day, a beautiful houseplant is also a nice gift. It will provide enjoyment for a long time", says Richard Scheffers. "We sell the plants directly to our customers via the flower auction."
Clockwise: Gardenia Jasminoides, Crossandra Fortuna, Clerodendrum Prospero and Jatropha Podagrica
Good preparation is half the work done
The FloraNL florists are well prepared for the festive day. FloraNL supports florists with an automated ordering system. Over 100 florists throughout the Netherlands are connected to the platform. On Tuesday FloraNL organized a real phone call training for the florists. Co-initiator and owner Walter Van der Velde: "We have noticed that the board or management often have to be reminded of Secretary Day. That is why florists call their entire customer base in advance. This year we have also arranged mail to be sent." Walter himself was a florist for 17 years. "I sent such mail myself back then, now we have do it on a large scale. "We sent cards in a striking pink envelope to the customers of the florists. On the envelope we indicated 'confidential' and in the envelope a reminder to surprise the secretary.
Business card
The so-called pick bouquet is, according to Walter, the trend this year. A cheerful bunch with a variety of species and colors. For florists, this day is a perfect moment to showcase their creativity to the business sector, says Walter. "These are the same secretaries who need to order a bouquet at other times of the year for example for a business relation. On secretary day you can say that we really leave our business card."