As the saying goes, ‘it doesn’t take much to make a bloke happy’, and when it comes to tradies, it probably takes even less.
But even we were surprised when we heard some male tradies would rather receive a rose than a beer this National Tradie Day – and no, we are not talking about a bottle of wine.
Renowned for being some of the hardest workers around, most tradies are entirely unaware that it’s National Tradie Day tomorrow (September 20), and for many, that’s how it will remain.
But a little appreciation still goes a long way –even for the toughest grafters of the nation, many of whom would be overjoyed with a customary six-pack of beer or, at the very least, a “cheers mate” from their colleagues, clients or loved ones throughout the day.
But despite their hard guy exteriors, some tradies say they would welcome a softer sign of gratitude than perhaps their calloused hands would suggest.
Melbourne-based builder Conner [sic] Wood says he was moved after recently receiving a bunch of Mr Roses’ roses while on-site in the lead-up to this year’s National Tradie Day, he thinks the surprise may make the perfect gift to a particular type of tradie.
“I think, depending on their age, some tradies would appreciate the gesture, while others might not quite understand it,” he said.
“It could lead to some friendly banter on the building site, but I think most people would love being surprised.”
Conner says the unique nature of sending a floral arrangement to your favourite tradie may sound odd, but it could be the kind of meaningful gesture that lasts longer than some ice-cold beers (at least if we are drinking them anyway).
“Flowers aren’t an everyday thing for us, so it would be a special, one-off surprise that could really make someone’s day.”
Conner (Con The Builder).
Beers out, bouquets in – a sign of a cultural shift?
Flash back a decade, and the idea of sending a box of roses to your chippy, sparkie or brickie would more likely be met with a physical bashing than a bash of the eyelids.
Still, this newfound appreciation for petal perfection demonstrates a cultural change that’s building up as younger folk, particularly Gen Z, enter the workforce.
Bondi-local Dane Ellevsen is one of those Gen Z tradies who advocates healthy lifestyle changes and mental health positivity through his social media channel, The Healthy Tradie. He told Build-it that receiving flowers while on the tools would now be more welcome than ever before.
“Being surprised at work is always welcomed from loved ones for sure. Things have definitely shifted with the energy and vibes on sites these days,” he said.
And he’s not alone.
Pav, owner of Uptown Interiors, also championed the movement. Saying that, while tradies might receive a bit of banter for any renovation-romancing, most would still be thrilled with the gesture –especially if it’s from their wife or partner.
“There might be some lighthearted teasing, but I believe most guys would be thrilled to receive flowers at work,” he told Build-it.
“Even if we don’t always admit it, it shows that someone is thinking of us—and who wouldn’t want that? It adds excitement to the day and makes you eager to get home to them.”
Brett from Sydney-based carpentry and labour hire fire King & Co. agreed that the reception change reflected a new era in job-site attitudes and was part of a more significant cultural shift within the construction industry.
“I don’t know how I would have felt about getting flowers when I was younger, but now, as a guy in my late 30s,” he said.
I am comfortable enough in myself to not worry what anyone else might think – it’s a great way to brighten up a day onsite”.
