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It is a day on which colleagues, managers and the organizations themselves can show how much they appreciate the efforts of their planners.

On Friday, March 1, 2024 we celebrate a special day: the Day of the Planner. This day offers the perfect opportunity to put planners in various sectors in the spotlight. Planners, often the silent forces behind the scenes, play a crucial role in streamlining and optimizing processes in companies and organizations. Their hard work certainly deserves extra attention and appreciation.

To make this day extra special, here are some unique and thoughtful ways to surprise and recognize planners, tailored to their personal preferences and tastes. What matters most is the thought and effort put into it, which means more than the gift itself.

An excellent start to the Planner's Day can be a catered breakfast, served at their desk or in the meeting room. Such a surprise can come from their favorite cafe or from a renowned restaurant. This gesture shows appreciation not only for their work, but also for their personal taste.

Professional development is also not forgotten. Booking a professional training or workshop can help planners further develop their skills. This can range from courses in advanced planning techniques to workshops on project management, which contributes to their professional growth.

A personalized planning board is another thoughtful gift. Such a board can be customized to the specific needs of the planner, for example with their name or an inspiring quote. This personalizes their working environment and provides a daily dose of motivation.

'Planner Day', an initiative created to recognize and celebrate the indispensable role of planners, comes at a crucial time. With the current staff shortages in various sectors, the role of a good planner is more important than ever. Planners are the silent forces behind the scenes who ensure that everything runs smoothly. Without them, schedules would be thrown into disarray, trains would not run on schedule, mechanics would miss their appointments, and trucks would not reach their destinations on time.

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Photo: Pitane Blue - Day of the planner

Recognition within the company is also crucial. This can range from a public announcement or praise during a team meeting to a feature on the internal company website. Such recognition strengthens their sense of appreciation and visibility within the organization. For planners who work hard all year round, a 'day off' voucher is a particularly welcome gift. This gives them a chance to relax and recover, while recognizing their commitment and hard work.

The list of ideas to surprise planners is long and varied, including new gadgets to make their work easier, a surprise team activity related to planning, such as an escape room, and personal videos in which colleagues express their appreciation.

The comparison with National Secretary Day and Pharmacy Assistant Day is striking. Like these professional groups, planners are often the unseen heroes in their organizations. Their work is crucial to the smooth functioning of daily operations, but is not always visibly recognized.

Giving flowers remains a timeless gesture. A beautiful bouquet can brighten any planner's day, a simple yet effective way to show gratitude. A special lunch with the whole team is another way to show appreciation. Whether it's lunch at the office or an outing to their favorite restaurant, it's an opportunity to collectively celebrate the planner's achievements.

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Photo: SnelleVliet - Not one planner, but two planners! Bill Ackema, the planner and Robin Bakker, the assistant planner, in the spotlight in 2023.

More personal gifts like a custom coffee mug or water bottle, a spa or wellness package, or a personal assistant for the day can also show planners how much their work is appreciated. Surprise parties, messages from admired speakers, personalized planners or agendas, and gift certificates to favorite restaurants or stores are also great ways to honor planners.

The list of possibilities is endless, with options such as creating a quiet space for the planner, organizing a virtual toast, and writing a handwritten thank you card. Other suggestions include hiring a mentor or coach, providing them with an inspiring book, subscribing to a relevant magazine or online platform, and upgrading their home workplace.

For planners who deserve to be extra pampered, a trip, a gift related to their hobby, or a 'no meetings' day can be a fantastic surprise. Showing appreciation can also take the form of a beautifully framed certificate, a surprise visit from a loved one, or a donation to charity in their name.

The Day of the Planner is an excellent opportunity to give the silent heroes behind planning the recognition they deserve. By being thoughtful and personal in the way we celebrate them, we can have a profound positive effect on their well-being and motivation. More information about this special day and additional celebration ideas can be found on the Planner's Day website.

The Day of the Planner takes place every year on the first Friday of March. The day was once created by Pitane Blue Media, which from the logistics sector knows how essential the profession is. However, this day is not specifically about employees in the transport sector, but also about those in healthcare, education, the police, the events sector, the catering industry, etc.

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