A used "Number One Dad" mug with coffee residue still in it. A Snoopy desk calendar. A sweater intended for the initial recipient from his aunt. And yes, the gift that never seems to get old, fruitcake. As the holidays close in, the bad office gifts begin to pile up on our desks. Employees hoping to win points with the boss may be stressing out over the perfect present. And with long shopping lists for family and friends, employees may also ponder how much to spend on co-workers and managers. A recent survey found that 26 percent of company executives responding plan to give a holiday gift to employees and nearly 41 percent said the employees were planning to give gifts to one another. The November survey, released by executive search firm Battalia Winston International, polled 104 business leaders across the country. "There's an overlay of hesitation and judiciousness that comes into play with office gift-giving," said Bev Rosen, principal of Wellness at Work, a Lutherville-based human resources and corporate development consulting company. "And with the flattening of corporate culture from a hierarchal structure to more of a teamwork environment, the rules are causing us to be confused." Some offices like Cavanaugh Capital Management, a Baltimore-based investment advisory firm, have opted to donate to charity on behalf of clients and employees instead of giving a corporate gift. So what are the rules of office gift-giving? What's an appropriate gift? How much should I spend? Do I get something for the boss? Here are some tips from human resource experts like Rosen to make the holidays happier around the office: - If you are new to the company or not sure how to celebrate the holidays, ask your human resources manager about the holiday culture in the office.
- Make the decision about how to mark the holidays as a team.
- Set an office gift-giving limit.
- Plan a gift-giving game or "secret Santa" event where everyone can participate.
- Avoid giving inappropriate gifts or gag gifts to co-workers. Make sure gifts aren't too personal. Don't do something that might embarrass yourself or your co-worker.
- Before buying a gift, ask yourself if you would be comfortable with the amount spent, especially if your generosity is not reciprocated.
- Just because you give a gift one year doesn't mean that you need to do the same the following year.
- If you are only giving gifts to a few close co-workers, arrange the exchange outside the office. If you are hosting a personal holiday party and not inviting all of your co-workers, make sure to send invitations outside of work.
- Remember and respect the diversity of your employees, co-workers and clients and their preferred celebrations. Use the term "holiday" when sending cards or planning a party or luncheon.
Best bets for the holidays: A holiday card with a small personal note citing your appreciation for a co-worker or boss. A donation to a charity made on behalf of employees or co-workers. A plate of your signature cookies shared with the entire office or department.
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