The Rules of Holiday Gift-Giving

For all you bosses out there, we want to let you in a helpful holiday hint…….

If you are out shopping for gifts for the office staff at this moment and you just happened to check in, just go ahead and PUT THE ITEMS DOWN.  Go ahead……we’ll wait………

We figured out what your employees want and it isn’t perfume.  It’s not a tie either.  And those nice fuzzy gloves won’t be as well received as you think.  What is it that employees REALLY want for a holiday gift?  Well, cash of course.

A recent poll conducted by Express Employment Professionals of hundreds of workers showed that the green stuff is highly preferred, 27 percent of whom favored cash bonuses, while 13 percent said they would welcome a pay raise.

According to Sentier Research, the median U.S. income this year was $53,385, a figure that’s down 4 percent from 2009 earnings.  With bleak income stats  it’s no wonder that folks are clamoring for cash.  But not everyone is looking for monetary rewards.  About 9 percent of respondents would be happy with a little time off, while 5 percent would enjoy shopping with gift cards from their employers.

Planning a holiday party?  Sorry to disappoint, but only 1 percent had any desire for a holiday party.  But don’t let that holiday spirit escape you; the holidays are still the perfect time of year to show appreciation for the superstars that work tirelessly to make your organization successful.

We also have a little advice for gift-giving employees: spending too much or too little can result in awkwardness when facing work superiors at holiday time.  Since a supervisor’s salary tends to be higher, receiving an expensive gift from an employee may be embarrassing.  In actuality, etiquette demands that employees receive from their employers, not the other way around.  But most employees like to show appreciation and often favor giving as a group.  Collect an amount from each person, either specified or unspecified, and pool it for a gift that will make the big guy or gal smile.  Another idea from folks in the know is a handwritten note and a small platter of consumable goodies.  But expensive or personal gifts are out, as they tend to make bosses uncomfortable.  In fact, most employees spend less than $50 on their supervisor’s gift, with the average falling between $10-$20.

Regardless of what you choose, the key is to get the employee gift-giving lowdown once you’re on board and ready to acquaint yourself with the company’s culture.