National Receptionist Day is May 14

Honoring Our Frontline Stars

National Receptionist Day is a time to recognize the hard work and dedication of receptionists everywhere. These professionals are often the first point of contact, creating a welcoming atmosphere for clients and visitors alike. Celebrating them helps to acknowledge their vital role in an organization.

Consider thoughtful ways to honor your receptionists with gifts! Gift cards, custom swag, or even a few beautiful flowers can make a big impact. Here are some ideas: personalized mugs, quality stationery, or even a sweet treat. Small gestures can truly brighten their day!

Let us show you how to pick a template, curate gift options, and deliver in minutes

Nice friendly woman talking to the client while standing at the reception

“Receptionists are the face and the heartbeat of the office — first to greet, first to help, and often the first to solve a problem.”

Receptionist with Starbucks Card Smiling

National Receptionist Day

National Receptionist Day is celebrated on the second Wednesday of May each year—this year, it falls on May 14, 2025. It’s a day to recognize the professionalism, warmth, and multitasking magic that receptionists bring to every organization. As the first point of contact for clients, customers, and guests, receptionists play a vital role in creating positive first impressions and keeping the workplace running smoothly. Today, we say thank you for being the voice, face, and heartbeat of the office.

  • Digital Gift Cards (Coffee, Retail, or Spa): Flexible and easy to use, gift cards let receptionists choose something they truly enjoy—whether it’s a relaxing coffee break, a little retail therapy, or self-care.
  • Fresh Flowers or a Desk Plant: A bouquet or cheerful plant brightens their workspace and brings a smile, serving as a visual and fragrant “thank you” that lasts beyond the day.
  • Desk Accessories: A notebook, or high-quality pen adds a personal touch to their workspace and acknowledges their important role in the office environment.
  • Wellness or Comfort Gifts: (e.g., ergonomic cushions, tumblers, or aromatherapy kits): These items promote comfort and wellness, showing that you care about their daily work experience and well-being.
A reception is sitting at a desk looking on thinking about which gift from management he is going to choose

Let your recipients choose!

National Receptionists Day is about your team members! Swag is great for new employees, but when reinforcing your appreciation, make sure each employee is delighted with their reminder of your appreciation. 

Curate a selection of options to please everyone, even in the most eclectic organization. 

Gift Cards  –  Local  –  National  –  International

Merchandise  –  Personal Care  –  Electronics

Payments  –  PayPal  –  Venmo  –  Deposit to Debit

Virtual Cards  –  Visa  –  Mastercard  –  AMEX

85,000+ local gift card options, Merchandise, and Payments let you curate a dazzling selection of choices for even the most diverse audiences.

Talent is challenging to retain

  • 37% of US employees consider personal recognition the single most important driver of encouraging better work. That’s considerably higher than the 7% who said “pay me more” was the most important motivator.
  • A Workhuman study found that people who were thanked at work in the last month are only half as likely to be looking for a new job.
  • Recognizing employees’ contributions is essential — especially now with the continuing struggle to acquire talent.
Two employees wishing their colleague well as he leaves their company for greener pastures
Receptionist near counter

Why celebrate National Receptionist Day?

  • Recognize Frontline Ambassadors: Receptionists are often the first point of contact, shaping a visitor’s or client’s first impression of the company.

  • Boost Morale and Engagement: Acknowledging their contributions fosters a sense of value and increases overall job satisfaction.

  • Promote Team Culture: Celebrating their role reinforces the importance of every position in the organization’s success.

  • Improve Retention: Thoughtful recognition can increase loyalty and reduce turnover in support roles.

  • Encourage Exceptional Service: Appreciation can motivate continued professionalism and attentiveness in their customer-facing work.

Save time and money

Thousands of HR professionals use TruCentive to recognize employees around the world. Whether it’s a symbol of appreciation for the entire organization, enabling managers, or focusing on specific individuals, we make it easy and cost-effective.

  • The average U.S. claim rate on digital employee incentives under $100 is eighty-four percent. That means you are paying a 16% premium on every incentive. With TruCentive, you only pay for claimed incentives, no waste!
  • Last year, organizations that used incentives to engage and recognize employees on National Receptionists Day spent under four people hours for planning and budgeting, yet over 36 hours managing the delivery process. With TruCentive, we’ll help you design and deliver recognition for one to ten thousand employees that will delight your recipients in less than an hour!
  • We make it easy; we’ll help you design your delivery and message, add your logo, and personalize your design. When it’s time, we can help you load and delivery your list and show you how easy it is to add that new employee or change a delivery!
HR Professional in a green suit using phone outside the street
coworkers enjoying happy hour on national employee recognition day

National receptionist day history

National Receptionist Day was first established in 1991 by the National Receptionists Association to recognize receptionists’ vital role in organizations worldwide and was created to celebrate and elevate the contributions of these often-overlooked professionals. Over time, the observance has grown in popularity as businesses increasingly recognize the receptionist’s role as more than administrative—it’s strategic and essential to operations.

Receptionists serve as the face and voice of a company. They manage first impressions, direct inquiries, coordinate schedules, and provide critical support that keeps the business running smoothly. Whether answering phones, greeting guests, or handling logistical challenges with a smile, receptionists often juggle multiple responsibilities with poise and professionalism. Their ability to represent the company’s values, brand, and culture is integral to customer satisfaction and internal efficiency.

Celebrating National Receptionist Day is important because it highlights the value of foundational roles that are yet frequently undervalued. It’s an opportunity for organizations to express gratitude, boost morale, and foster a culture of respect and recognition. By honoring receptionists, companies show appreciation and reinforce a team-oriented mindset where every contribution matters.

Learn how organizations like yours are celebrating National Receptionist Day!

Ready to design something brilliant?

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Schedule a free design session

Our design sessions are the perfect way to show you how TruCentive can help you realize your rewards, gifts, or payout goals in a real-world scenario, building a complete project with everything from your logo, design options, and messaging to incentive selection, deliveries, and reminders. 

When we’re done, you’ll:

  • Possess a solid grasp of constructing your project.
  • Have a comprehensive understanding of best practices for incentive delivery.
  • Learn the secrets of the incentives industry and the savings and advantages of utilizing TruCentive for your next program.
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If you’re ready to start designing on your own, sign up and start sending samples. There’s no credit card required to start exploring your creative side!

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