Mother’s Day is a time to recognise and celebrate the incredible role that ‘mothers’ play in our lives – whether it’s your biological mother, stepmum, mentor or someone else who has taken on a motherly role. In the workplace, Mother’s Day can be an opportunity to show appreciation not just for the mothers among your staff, but also for the spirit of nurturing that thrives within your team. After all, being a mum is more about the role and responsibilities than a simple biological connection. So, let’s ensure nobody feels left out as we brainstorm fun and meaningful ways to celebrate this special day at work!
A mum-inspired potluck lunch
What better way to honour the mothers in our lives than with food? Everyone has a favourite dish that reminds them of home, so why not organise a mum-inspired potluck lunch at work? Encourage employees to bring in a dish inspired by a recipe passed down from a mother figure. Whether it’s nana’s famous pavlova or mum’s lasagne, sharing these dishes creates an opportunity for employees to bond over memories and flavours.
The beauty of this idea is that it’s inclusive. Regardless of someone’s personal connection to Mother’s Day, food has the power to bring everyone together. Plus, the diversity of dishes can become a celebration of the different cultures and traditions within your team.
Take your mum (or mum-figure) to work
Invite employees to bring their mother figures to work for a day of insight into their professional world. It’s a fantastic way for families to understand what goes on during the daily grind and for colleagues to interact with each other’s loved ones.
You might even let the visiting mums sit in on meetings, share their wisdom or enjoy a day of shadowing their adult children. It’s bound to spark some hilarious moments and create a buzz of happiness in the office.
Small tokens of appreciation
You don’t need to go all out to recognise the mothers in your workplace. A small gift, like a chocolate or a cupcake, will do the trick nicely. If budget allows, consider surprising all employees with these little treats, not just the mothers, as a way to celebrate the caregiving energy within your team. For those who do identify as mothers, consider including a personalised note thanking them for their balancing act between work and home life.
Pumper your working mums
If your budget allows, treat your working mums to a bit of well-deserved pampering. Consider bringing in a massage therapist for in-office massages or a nail technician for mini-manicures. If an on-site spa session feels like too much, even a simple gesture like a gift certificate for a manicure can offer a moment of indulgence.
Create a Mother’s Day photo board
A beautiful, visual way to celebrate Mother’s Day is with a photo board. Whether it’s a physical corkboard in the lunchroom or a virtual board for those working remotely, invite employees to post photos of their mums, nanas and other mother figures in their lives. Encourage people to add short captions or stories that bring the pictures to life.
Final thoughts – don’t wait until Mother’s Day…
While celebrating Mother’s Day in the workplace is a wonderful way to show appreciation, the real value lies in how your company supports mothers and caregivers year-round. Offering flexible working hours, generous parental leave and a culture that values work-life balance are ways to ensure your working mums feel genuinely supported.
Another way to recognise mums and everyone else in your team is to join the Boost employee benefits programme. With Boost, you can effortlessly provide perks and discounts, showing your people how much they matter. It’s an app-based programme that puts instant benefits at your employees’ fingertips. And it can be personalised with your logo. Learn more about Boost now.