What Inspires Us INVEST IN YOUR TEAM


> Work-life balance was the leading motivator for 83% of 26,000 work- ers surveyed by the international recruitment company Randstad, sur- passing pay (82%) for the first time in the survey’s 22-year history. With employees increasingly pri-


oritizing benefits that lead to a better work-life balance, like flexible sched- uling and access to mental health care, it’s crucial for business owners to evolve their benefit offerings to attract top talent and build loyal and motivated teams. This issue of Floral Management


offers two ways to help you do that. In “Perks That Pay Off” (p. 30), you’ll discover how florists are going beyond traditional benefits to foster a culture of care. From mental health resources to creative perks like pet


insurance and store discounts, these businesses are leading the way in employee satisfaction. Meanwhile, “Incentives to Inspire” (p. 22) offers practical strategies to drive


sales and performance. Whether it’s a simple bonus for upselling add-ons or cre- ative contests to use old inventory, these programs prove that incentives can be win-win — boosting both employee paychecks and your bottom line. Also in this issue, we tasked designer Derek Woodruff, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, CFD,


CF, with creating an arrangement with flowers that work as a stand-in for tulips, which are expected to be in short supply this spring. Check out the Business of Design column (p. 44) to see what he chose to use as a substitution, and why his arrangement is sure to satisfy customers’ love for vibrant, sleek designs. Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, is no stranger to floral


designers, who have reached for neutral-colored flowers for years. With its earthy tones and versatility, it’s a shade that encourages creativity and pairs beautifully with both botanicals and pastels. The Fresh Choices column (p. 18) offers a look at fresh product available in this trendy shade. As we move into spring, a season synonymous with renewal and growth, it’s


the perfect time to reflect on what makes our industry thrive: the stunning flowers we provide and the dedicated people who bring them to life at every stage — from breeders to designers to the final consumer. By investing in your team, you’re not just securing their loyalty — you’re laying the foundation for long-term success of your business and the industry. Thanks for reading,


Amanda Jedlinsky Editor in Chief ajedlinsky@safnow.org


WATCH Increase sales and customer satisfaction with Mother’s Day sales tips from sales and service guru Tim Huckabee and Sam Bowles, AAF, of Allen’s Flowers & Plants. In this 15-minute video, learn about the advantages of selling open order or designer’s choice, how to ensure accuracy with orders, and the importance of educating customers about pricing. safnow.org/mothersdaytips


READ Get best practices and new ideas for Mother’s Day with a collection of articles on the Floral Education Hub. Get tips for upselling, maximizing margins and building lifelong customers. safnow.org/mothersdayarticles


DOWNLOAD Streamline your social media marketing and website updates with social media graphics and web banners for Mother’s Day. Choose from a variety of designs and messages that can be downloaded with the click of a button. safnow.org/mothersdaygraphics


More Online


WATCH Are your Mother’s Day fl oral design recipes profi table? In the 20-minute video course, “Creating Recipes For Success,” you’ll learn from Tony Fiannaca, AAF, of Sparks Florist in Sparks, Nevada, how to create profi table and consistent recipes by creating line items for every stem — as well as raw materials such as ribbons, vases and labor. safnow.org/recipes


4 FLORAL MANAGEMENT | March/April 2025 | WWW.SAFNOW.ORG


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