Should my office lobby screen show employee birthdays?
Who the lobby screen serves
A lobby screen is seen by staff, visitors and sometimes clients. Birthday messages can build a sense of team spirit when they are simple and kind. Use a rotating slide with names and dates only, rather than personal details like age.
Think about who walks past the screen. Visitors may not know the staff members, so a birthday slide can feel out of place in a client-facing area. Some offices use a rotating slide for welcomes and anniversaries as well, which keeps the screen lively.
Keeping content appropriate
Ask employees whether they are comfortable being featured. A short opt-in form or a quick message can prevent awkward situations. Let people remove their names at any time and keep a clear record of who has opted out.
Your HR team or a written policy can set the rules for what the lobby screen shows. A short guideline sheet keeps the content consistent over time. Share the policy with staff so everyone knows how the screen is used.
- Ask staff to opt in before posting.
- Show only first names and the date.
- Avoid birthdays on screens mainly seen by clients.
- Review the list each month to remove old entries.
Common mistakes
- Posting birthdays without asking staff who may prefer privacy.
- Showing personal details beyond a name and date.
