Birthdays don't mean much as you get older. Well, they do mean you are one year older, but they don't have the magic they did when you were a kid. That's why I look forward to every birthday card and well wishing I get. I think it's smart of companies to do something to celebrate the birthdays of their employees. I know times are tight, but still a few bucks on a birthday card or cake goes a long way.
There is an episode of "The Office" where Jim ends up being in charge while Michael heads out into the wilderness to be his own "Survivor Man". Jim decides instead of taking the time and money to celebrate every one's birthday individually, they are going to do one big party for everyone. He thinks it's brilliant and no one really has the nerve to tell him it's a bad idea. However, people still demand that they better have their special birthday treat at the party or else. So they end up having a big birthday party with all sorts of cakes and pies that various people requested, which pretty much accomplishes nothing.
The reason Jim's plan failed is simple. Everyone likes their moment in the spotlight. You take away birthdays and you make a lot of people in the office crabby. Celebrating that special day lets employees know that they are important and are valued by the company. It doesn't have to be huge, a card or cake will suffice. It's just not smart business to treat your employees like they are invisible.
And besides, when it's all said and done, the older you get the more reasons you need to make a birthday special.
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