December 2006

Giving holiday gifts at the office

More than 50 percent of managers will be spreading holiday cheer around the office this year by giving presents to their employees, according to a recent survey by CareerBuilder.com and ShopLocal.

Cash ranked highest on office shopping lists with 52 percent of managers planning to give gift cards, gift certificates, or money to their staff members, 23 percent fueling holiday indulgences with gifts of candy, and 21 percent buying their staffs holiday ornaments or decorations.

Other popular gifts are books (15 percent), wine/alcohol (13 percent), food baskets (12 percent), and gag gifts (11 percent).

But be careful of what is on your gift-giving list! When asked to identify some of the more unusual holiday gifts received at the office, respondents offered the following examples:

TIPS FOR GIFT-GIVING AT THE OFFICE

If you plan to give presents at the office, experts say:

• Ask around. Companies have different policies when it comes to gift-giving at the office. Some may restrict dollar value amounts or outright prohibit gifts. Inquire how gift-giving was handled in the office in previous years.

• Err on the conservative. The best of intentions can turn into the worst of consequences if the recipient of the gift feels it is offensive or inappropriate. The safest bets are to stay with classic items such as portfolios, books, picture frames, food baskets, etc. And remember to stay away from religious themes.

• Consider charities. Almost 40 percent of workers said their office gets involved in charitable activities, including Toys for Tots, adopt a family or adopt a classroom, and group volunteering. Instead of buying a present for your boss or co-worker, make a charitable donation in his/her name for those in need.

• Quality counts. Closeouts and clearance sales can be tempting, but beware of dead batteries, cheap construction, and spoiled goods. If you want to make a lasting impression, make sure it’s a positive one.

The survey, “Holidays at the Office,” was completed in September 2006 and included 1,650 workers and 1,150 hiring managers nationwide.

Sources: CareerBuilder.com. www.careerbuilder.com; ShopLocal, www.shoplocal.com