National Donut Day is the Real Deal – and Worth an Office Breakfast!
Posted by Sara on Friday, June 6th, 2014 with 6 Comments
Having a box of donuts as an office breakfast is not a groundbreaking idea. But today is National Donut Day, which always falls on the first Friday and June. That means today is the perfect day to serve up the sugary treats to your employees… but not for the gimmicky reason you might think!
This beautiful donut is one way to say “thank you”.
Image source: Flickr user Bryan Ochalla
Unlike many of our other pointless “National Fill-in-the-Blank Days,” National Donut Day actually has a fantastic story behind it, and a rich history of patriotism and charity. The annual celebration of donuts dates back nearly a century to the days of World War I, when Salvation Army officers began serving donuts and coffee to soldiers in the trenches across the battlefields of France.
Relatively simple to make with limited supplies (like sugar, lard, and flour), the donuts weren’t just about keeping soldiers fed: they were a warm reminder of the comforts of home. And the Salvation Army began celebrating National Donut Day as a way to commemorate the service of the “donut lassies” — the female volunteers who fried the donuts (sometimes in soldiers’ helmets!) and distributed them among the soldiers, along with providing more practical assistance like writing letters, mending clothes, and cooking meals.
The first National Donut Day was staged in Chicago in 1938, and was also intended to be a fundraiser during the dark days of the Depression for the non-profit organization. Today, especially in Chicago, many donut shops will give out free donuts — but encourage donations for the Salvation Army.
National Donut Day dates back to World War I!
Image source: Flickr user Joel Dueck
So what, exactly, do donut-delivering volunteers and soldiers in the trenches have to do with celebrating National Donut Day in the office? For one, it’s an admirable way to honor the history and tradition of patriotic service. But secondly, because even though the office is a far cry from the battlefield, offering donuts to your employees can have a similar effect: a little cheer brightens up what might otherwise be a dreary morning, and a much-needed message of gratitude and appreciation is delivered.
And research shows that appreciation goes a very long way in the workplace. A survey conducted last year suggested that employees will work harder and be more faithful to their employer when they feel appreciated. While raises or bonuses were the most preferred means of showing appreciation, food was next in line — about half of all employees surveyed reported that they would love to receive unexpected treats (like lunches, snacks, or office breakfasts) from their boss.
National Donut Day is the perfect occasion for an office breakfast (or afternoon treat!).
Image source: Flickr user Tim Lucas
So follow in the example of the donut lassies, who knew that a simple treat could communicate a meaningful message of appreciation and warmth. One hundred years later, we’re still celebrating their service… and sharing appreciation with your staff could have a lasting impact on the happiness and productivity of your company’s culture. Because if you celebrate National Donut Day in the office, you’re not really celebrating donuts — you’re celebrating your employees.
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Very interesting post! As a donut lover myself, it is nice to learn the history of National Donut Day. Awesome blend of history and workplace psychology into one article. I think a lot of business owners underestimate the importance of small tokens of appreciation. 🙂
Thanks Corrie – it’s true, sometimes a little can go a long way. In the end, it’s not really about the donut (or the bagel, or the coffee, or the pizza…) but about the meaning behind the treat. Everyone wants to know their hard work is appreciated!
The notion that employees feel appreciated when the company supplies food is right on target. It makes such a difference to know that the higher-ups are thinking about you and want you to be happy. There is always some kind of treat waiting for us every Friday and it is much appreciated. To learn that doughnut day in particular has a history dating back to WWI is mind-blowing. It makes me wonder what kind of history other rituals have.
Treats every Friday? That’s a great perk! Hope you got to celebrate with donuts last week!
Wow very interesting! I never knew it all started with the Salvation Army and that there was Donut Lassies! I do agree with the article that one of my top favorite things is going into work and seeing a box of donuts or some other treat for us to have. It makes me feel the company thinks of us and appreciates what we do. Plus it makes me happy to see that 🙂 Great article! Learn something new everyday!
Thanks Stephanie! Glad to add to your enjoyment of free donuts! 🙂