Top tips this National Receptionist Day

Since its launch in America in the early 90s, National Receptionist Day (10th May) has marked the celebration of receptionists across the globe.  Anthony Bennett, Co- founder and Director of bespoke hospitality provider Bennett Hay, provides tips on best supporting your reception teams.
 
1        Provide excellent guest experience training
Everyone within your company needs to reflect company standards and embody values. To help receptionists achieve this, employers realistically need to invest their time in training their staff and helping them feel at home with their team members.
 
2        Allow for growth and creativity
All team members need to feel that they are being challenged and are progressing – whether it’s in the reception, porterage or office services department. People work best when they are allowed to be creative, innovative and individual – harness this and provide opportunities for personal development.
 
3        Find the right fit by choosing wisely
Find the right person for your business, and the right person for the job. Someone who can adapt to the changing nature of a receptionist role, is hospitable, welcoming, but also embodies the company values. Reception teams need to provide excellent service to the variety of faces they will come into contact with at the front desk. They should be the most adaptable, self-motivated and independent members of the company, as they’ll need to juggle different tasks and quickly feel at home doing something outside their usual remit.
 
4        Promote health and wellbeing
Much research has been conducted on the adverse health effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the job, those who work on reception can find themselves seated for the most part of the day. Simple things such as providing filtered water bottles to stay hydrated, having plants in the reception area, which are proven to promote emotional and physical health, and the use of yoga balls during lunch breaks, to get blood flowing and renenergise productivity levels, all help improve health and wellbeing.
 
Receptionists are a key cog in the business wheel. Their tasks throughout the day are varied and complex. Businesses should therefore make the most of the day and ensure that their receptionist feels valued and supported in their role.
 
www.bennetthay.co.uk